Dentistry for you

Caring for your teeth

All your questions answered

Request an appointment

For dental appointments, please fill in the form below and we will call you back or email you to confirm your appointment.

    I agree to your privacy policy

    Read our privacy policy

    Caring for your teeth

    Why are my teeth so important?​

    Your teeth vary in shape and size depending on their position within your mouth. These differences allow the teeth to do many different jobs.

    Teeth help us to chew and digest food. They help us to talk, and to pronounce different sounds clearly. Finally, teeth help to give our face its shape.

    A healthy smile can be a great asset and because this is so important, it makes sense to give your teeth the best care possible.

    What can go wrong?

    Tooth decay can be painful and lead to fillings, crowns or inlays. If tooth decay is not treated, the nerve of the tooth can become infected and die, causing an abscess. This may then need root canal treatment or even extraction.

    It is very important that you keep up a good oral hygiene routine to keep your teeth and gums healthy at home. Gum disease is the largest cause of tooth loss in adults and has been linked to other medical problems such as, heart disease, strokes, diabetes and respiratory (lung) disease. Gum disease is a preventable condition and can be treated and kept under control with regular cleaning sessions and check-ups, preventing further problems. If teeth are lost, it may be necessary to fill the gaps with bridges, dentures or implants.

    How do I keep my teeth and gums healthy?

    It is easy to get your mouth clean and healthy, and keep it that way. A simple routine of brushing for two minutes, twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste and cleaning between the teeth, good eating habits, having sugary food and drinks less often and regular dental check-ups can help prevent most dental problems.

    Although most people brush regularly, many don’t clean between their teeth and some people don’t have regular dental check-ups. A few small changes in your daily routine can make a big difference in the long run.

    Your dentist or dental hygienist can remove any build-up of plaque or tartar on your teeth and treat any gum disease that has already appeared. But daily dental care is up to you, and the main weapons are the toothbrush and inter dental cleaning (cleaning between the teeth).

    FAQs on keeping teeth & gums healthy

    Why is brushing important?

    Daily brushing of your teeth and gums and cleaning between your teeth is important because it removes plaque. If the plaque isn’t removed, it continues to build up, feeding on the food debris left behind and causing tooth decay and gum disease.

    FAQs on brushing your teeth

    How should I clean between my teeth?

    You can clean between your teeth with inter dental brushes dental floss, , or tape. Dental tape is thicker than floss and many people find it easier to use. Flossing removes plaque and food particles from between your teeth and under the gumline, areas a toothbrush can’t reach. You should clean between your teeth at least once a day. Your dentist or hygienist can show you proper flossing techniques.

    The following suggestions may help:

    When flossing, keep to a regular pattern. Start at the top and work from left to right, then move to the bottom and again work from the left to

    It is also very important to clean around the edges of any crowns, bridges or implants. This can be difficult to do effectively using traditional floss and there are now specialist flosses to do the job thoroughly (such as super floss and specialist floss threaders). Ask your dentist or hygienist about on how to use these properly and which method you should use. right. This way you’re less likely to miss any teeth. At first it also helps to look in the mirror.

    Should my gums bleed when I floss?

    Your gums may bleed or be sore for the first few days that you floss.

    This should stop once the plaque is broken up and your oral hygiene has improved. If the bleeding does not stop, tell your dentist. It may be that you are not flossing correctly or your teeth and gums need a more thorough cleaning by your dentist or hygienist.

    What do I do if I have difficulty using floss?

    You can use a floss holder or an inter dental cleaning aid.

    Inter dental cleaning aids include wood sticks or small inter dental brushes used to remove plaque from between the teeth. Your dentist or hygienist can explain how to use these properly.

    Are oral irrigators useful?

    Oral irrigation devices use a stream of water to remove food particles from around the teeth. These can be particularly helpful for people wearing orthodontic appliances or fixed bridges where it is difficult to clean.

    Should I use a mouthwash?

    Mouthwashes are mainly used to freshen breath. If you have to keep using a breath freshener to hide any bad breath, you should see your dentist. Bad breath can be a sign of unhealthy teeth and gums or of poor general health.

    A fluoride mouthwash can help prevent tooth decay. Your dentist may recommend an antibacterial mouthwash to help control plaque and reduce gingivitis (gum disease).

    Can my diet help?

    Many people think that it is a high level of sugar in your diet that causes decay, but this is not necessarily so. It is how often you have sugar in your diet, not the amount that causes problems. It takes an average of an hour for the mouth to neutralise the acid caused by eating and drinking sugar. It is therefore important to limit the number of attacks by keeping sugary foods and drinks to mealtimes.

    What do I do if I have dentures?

    It is just as important to clean dentures, as it is to clean your natural teeth. Food can become caught around the edges of dentures and clasps, and can rot if not cleaned thoroughly.

    You should keep a separate toothbrush for cleaning your dentures. The general rule is: brush, soak, brush. Clean your dentures over a bowl of water or towel in case you drop them. Brush your dentures before soaking, to help remove any food debris. Soak the dentures in a specialist cleaner for a short time and then brush the dentures again – as you would your natural teeth. Make sure you clean all of the surfaces of the dentures, including the surface which comes into contact with your gums. If you notice a build-up of stains or scale, have your denture cleaned by your dentist or hygienist.

    Most dentists still recommend a small to medium-headed toothbrush or a denture brush.

    I have implants, do I have to do anything special?

    Your dentist or oral surgeon will tell you how to care for your implants after surgery. It is very important to make sure you clean them regularly and thoroughly as instructed to prevent gum disease and possible infection.

    Why should I visit the dentist regularly?

    Prevention is always better than cure. If you visit your dentist regularly, you will need less treatment and your dentist will spot any problems earlier, making any treatment easier.

    The last word

    Good dental health begins with you. By following this simple routine, you can keep your mouth clean and healthy:

    Source: British Dental Health Foundation

    Book an appointment at Dentistry For You

    To start your journey to a new smile book an appointment with us today.

    Why Dentistry For You?

    Patient satisfaction is very important to us

    NHS Logo
    BDA Logo
    CQC Logo