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Here's how you and your children can have healthy teeth and keep trips to the dentist to a minimum.

Have regular dental check-ups

Have regular check-ups with your dentist. Do not put off going for a check-up. Detecting problems early can mean they're easier to treat.

If problems are not treated, they may lead to damage that's harder, or even impossible, to repair.

There are a wide range of dental treatments available. Some, such as fillings and root canal treatment, are readily available on the NHS.

Others, such as cosmetic dentistry, are only available on the NHS in certain circumstances.

Find out more about dental treatments and dental check-ups.

For information on who can get free dentistry and what to expect from your dentist, see how to find an NHS dentist.

Read the answers to the most common questions about NHS dentistry.

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Page last reviewed: 28 January 2022
Next review due: 28 January 2025

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Here's how you and your children can have healthy teeth and keep trips to the dentist to a minimum. Have regular check-ups with your dentist. Do not put off going for a check-up. Detecting problems early can mean they're easier to treat.

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We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here's our process.

Good oral hygiene is necessary to keep teeth and gums healthy. It involves habits such as brushing twice a day and having regular dental checkups.

However, oral health is about more than cavities and gum disease. Research has shown that there is an association between the health of a person's mouth and their overall health. Experts consider oral health problems to be a global health burden.

Without treatment, tooth decay or gum problems can lead to pain, problems with self-confidence, and tooth loss. These issues may lead to malnutrition, speech problems, and other challenges in a person's work, school, or personal life.

People can prevent these problems with proper dental care, both at home and in the dentist's office. The following are some best practices that can keep teeth and gums healthy.

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Brushing twice a day and using dental floss can help keep teeth and gums healthy.

Most people are aware that brushing their teeth twice a day is one of the most important practices for removing plaque and bacteria and keeping teeth clean. However, brushing may only be effective if people use the correct technique.

People should brush using small circular motions, taking care to brush the front, back, and top of every tooth. This process takes between 2 and 3 minutes. People should avoid sawing back-and-forth motions.

Brushing too hard or using a hard-bristled toothbrush can damage tooth enamel and the gums. The effects of this may include tooth sensitivity, permanent damage to the protective enamel on the teeth, and gum erosion.

The American Dental Association (ADA) recommend using a toothbrush that has soft bristles. They also state that people should change their toothbrush every 3 months or when the ends start to look frayed, whichever comes first.

Fluoride comes from an element in the earth's soil called fluorine. Many experts believe that fluoride helps prevent cavities, and it is a common ingredient in toothpaste and mouthwash.

However, some dental products do not contain fluoride, and some people do not use it at all.

Evidence suggests that a lack of fluoride can lead to tooth decay, even if a person takes care of their teeth otherwise. A recent review found that brushing and flossing do not prevent a person from getting cavities if they do not use fluoride.

Many communities in the United States have added fluoride to their water supply. Several organizations recommend this practice, including the World Health Organization (WHO), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the ADA.

People can find out whether the water in their area contains fluoride by contacting their local government. Reverse osmosis water filters remove fluoride, and people who use well water will need to check the fluoride levels in this water to find out how much is present. Many bottled water brands do not contain fluoride.

Flossing can remove plaque and bacteria from between the teeth, where a toothbrush is unable to reach. It can also help prevent bad breath by removing debris and food that has become trapped between the teeth.

Although there is a lack of long-term studies proving that flossing is beneficial, the ADA continue to recommend it. The also state that people should floss their teeth.

Most dental health professionals recommend gently pushing the floss all the way down to the gumline before hugging the side of the tooth with up-and-down motions. It is important to avoid snapping the floss up and down between the teeth, which can cause pain and will not remove plaque as effectively.

A dentist can diagnose and treat oral health issues before they become severe.

Experts recommend that people see a dentist every 6 months for a checkup. During a routine dental examination, a hygienist will clean the teeth and remove plaque and hardened tartar.

The dentist will check for visual signs of cavities, gum disease, mouth cancer, and other oral health issues. They may sometimes also use dental X-rays to check for cavities.

The results of a recent study confirmed that children and adolescents should see a dentist every 6 months to help prevent cavities. However, adults who practice good dental hygiene every day and have a low risk of oral health problems may be able to go less frequently.

The authors of a recent review state that there is a need for more high-quality studies to confirm the ideal frequency of dental checkups.

People can speak to their dentist about how often they need a checkup. The answer may vary depending on a person's health history, age, and overall dental health. However, anyone who notices changes in their mouth should visit a dentist.

Smoking harms the body's immune system, which makes it difficult for the body to heal tissues, including those in the mouth. The CDC name smoking as a risk factor for gum disease, while the ADA warn that people who smoke may experience slow healing after a dental procedure.

Smoking also affects the appearance of the mouth, leading to yellowing of the teeth and tongue, and it can give breath a bad odor.

Some studies indicate that certain mouthwashes can benefit oral health. For example, one review found that mouthwash containing chlorhexidine, an antibacterial ingredient, helps control plaque and gingivitis. Mouthwashes with certain essential oils are also effective, according to a meta-analysis.

People may wish to ask their dentist which is the best mouthwash for their individual needs. A mouthwash cannot substitute brushing and flossing, but it can complement these practices.

Mouthwashes that may help with bad breath and dental problems are available online.

Consuming sugar can lead to cavities. Studies continue to highlight the significant role that sugar plays in adverse dental health outcomes. Common culprits include candy and desserts, but many processed foods also contain added sugar.

The WHO recommend that people limit their intake of sugar to below of their daily calories. The authors of a systematic review concluded that lowering this to 5 percent would further reduce the risk of cavities and other dental problems.

Experts have also stated that starchy foods, such as crackers, bread, chips, and pasta, can cause tooth decay. The ADA explain that these foods linger in the mouth and break down into simple sugars, on which acid-producing bacteria feed. This acid can cause tooth decay.

Instead of starchy foods, the ADA recommend eating plenty of fiber-rich fruits and vegetables as well as dairy products without added sugar.

Sugar-sweetened beverages are the number one source of added sugars in the typical diet of those in the U.S. Sipping on soda, juice, or other sugary drinks can lead to a higher risk of cavities.

The ADA recommend drinking water or unsweetened tea throughout the day and only drinking sugar-sweetened drinks at meal times and in small volumes.

Teaching good dental hygiene can help ensure a child's teeth and gums remain healthy as they grow up.

A child's primary teeth, which people sometimes call baby teeth, are just as important as their permanent teeth. Baby teeth help a child chew and speak. They are placeholders for the future permanent teeth.

If a child loses a baby tooth to decay, this can disrupt the space in the mouth and make it difficult for the adult tooth to develop correctly.

With this in mind, it is best to introduce good dental care for children during infancy. The following practices will help keep a child's teeth and gums healthy:

Wipe a baby's gums with a warm, wet washcloth every day, even before they have any teeth. Doing this removes sugars from the gums and can help a baby become familiar with the feeling of cleaning their teeth.

Babies and toddlers should not go to bed with bottles or sippy cups. Milk and juice contain sugars that can cause tooth decay if they remain on the teeth for extended periods.

As a baby approaches 1 year of age, start getting them used to a sippy cup. Aim to stop using bottles by their first birthday.

Allow toddlers to sip water from sippy cups between meals, but save juice or milk for meal times only.

Once a baby has teeth, brush them twice a day with a soft baby toothbrush. Use a tiny amount of fluoride toothpaste, no bigger than a grain of rice. Children who are 3 to 6 years of age may use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste.

Parents or caregivers should brush the child's teeth for them until they can clean all of their teeth thoroughly without help. Monitor them to make sure that they spit out the toothpaste.

Keep the toothpaste out of children's reach when it is not in use.

The ADA recommend that children see a dentist within 6 months of their first tooth appearing or at 1 year of age, whichever comes first.

Parents and caregivers should not share eating utensils with a child or clean pacifiers by putting them in their mouth. Both of these actions can pass the adult's cavity-causing bacteria to the child.

Practicing good dental care from infancy to adulthood can help a person keep their teeth and gums healthy. Brushing and flossing daily, not smoking, eating a healthful diet, and having regular dental checkups can help people avoid cavities, gum disease, and other dental issues. It may also benefit their overall health.

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The 8 best practices for healthy teeth and gums

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We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here's our process. Good oral hygiene is necessary to keep teeth and gums healthy. It involves habits such as brushing twice a day and having regular dental checkups.

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Why is dental hygiene and professional teeth cleaning so important?

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The consequences of ignoring dental hygiene

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The consequences of ignoring dental hygiene

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Dental Hygienist in Langley, Slough

Book a Dental Hygienist

Why see a dental hygienist?

Dental hygiene is concerned with the health of your teeth, gums, mouth and can even extend to your throat. Getting good oral health and teeth cleaning advice from a hygienist is critical, otherwise it can lead to embarrassing and potentially serious conditions.

Poor oral health and teeth cleaning can cause:

Bad breath (halitosis)

Visible buildup of plaque and tartar on teeth

Stained teeth

Bleeding gums

Receding gums

Tooth sensitivity

Tooth decay

Loose teeth and even tooth loss

Abscesses

Symptoms like bad breath and teeth staining can interfere with your social life and daily activities, making it difficult to eat or speak and making you self-conscious about your smile. One of the more serious concerns is the effect poor oral health and teeth cleaning can have on your overall health.

Gum Disease

A poorly-maintained mouth and poor teeth cleaning can be a bacterial breeding ground and, if you neglect or ignore your oral hygiene, it can lead to gum disease over time (also known as periodontal disease or periodontitis). Bacteria associated with periodontitis can enter the bloodstream via bleeding gums and has been linked to the following conditions among people:

Heart disease

Strokes

Generalised inflammation

Rheumatoid arthritis

Lung disease

How can a hygienist help?

In addition to following a thorough oral health regimen at home, including cleaning teeth properly twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste, proper toothbrush and flossing at least once daily, it’s important to visit the hygienist on a regular basis to prevent future problems. Our hygienist are professionally trained to not only give your teeth a much more thorough clean than you can achieve at home, but also to check for early warning signs of more serious developments such as periodontitis and even oral cancer.

Specifically, a professional hygienist will:

Review your past medical and dental history

Assess the current health of your mouth and surrounding tissue

Provide treatment over time using the latest technology, including comfort aids such as numbing agents

Provide people with oral health education, such as how to brush teeth, and advice plus product recommendations

Send you home from our clinic with a tailored treatment plan to maintain your oral health, fresh breath, good teeth cleaning practices and prevent future issues

Recommend specialist treatment where necessary

AirFlow technology

Another advantage of visiting one of our hygienists at our practice is that we use the latest AirFlow technology, which uses a fine stream of air mixed with water and fine powder to polish your teeth properly and remove stains and plaque / biofilm. AirFlow provides a gentler and more effective teeth cleaning than traditional scale and polish treatments and can reach farther under the gum line than conventional scaling.

In addition to treating gum disease and giving your teeth a thorough clean, a hygienist visit at Langley Road Dental Practice is a great way to prepare your teeth for whitening treatment, or to maintain your whiter smile after you’ve had it done. Sessions with the hygienist are also recommended during orthodontic treatment and following restorative treatments such as implants, or the placement of crowns and bridges, that require special care.

Here at Langley Road Dental Care, we can offer you and your family:

A full range of general dentistry services and routine procedures, combined with outstanding patient care. Our general, cosmetic, and restorative services are designed to help children and adults of all ages achieve and maintain perfect teeth to keep you and your family smiling with confidence.

Our friendly and fully qualified dental team provide excellent dental care in a relaxed family atmosphere and our general patients are invited to attend regular consultations, so you can receive the best level of general dentistry and hygiene care available in Berkshire.

We believe in affordable specialty dental care for all.

Contact us for more information or to book an appointment today

CONTACT US

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Monday 9.00 AM – 5.00 PM

Tuesday 9.00 AM – 5.00 PM

Wednesday 9.00 AM – 5.00 PM

Thursday 9.00 AM – 5.00 PM

Friday 9.00 AM – 5.00 PM

Weekends and evening appointments available upon special request (including Saturday Hygienist appointments)

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Dental Hygienist - Langley Road Dental Practice

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Dental Hygienist in Langley, Slough Book a Dental Hygienist Why see a dental hygienist? Dental hygiene is concerned with the health of your teeth, gums, mouth and can even extend to your throat. Getting good oral health and teeth cleaning advice from a hygienist is critical, otherwise it can lead to…

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https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-and-oral-health/best-practices-for-healthy-teeth

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We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here's our process.

Achieving healthy teeth takes a lifetime of care. Even if you've been told that you have nice teeth, it's crucial to take the right steps every day to take care of them and prevent problems. This involves getting the right oral care products, as well as being mindful of your daily habits.

It's no secret that the general recommendation is to brush at least twice a day. Still, many of us continue to neglect brushing our teeth at night. But brushing before bed gets rid of the germs and plaque that accumulate throughout the day.
Shop for toothbrushes online.
The way you brush is equally important - in fact, doing a poor job of brushing your teeth is almost as bad as not brushing at all. Take your time, moving the toothbrush in gentle, circular motions to remove plaque. Unremoved plaque can harden, leading to calculus buildup and gingivitis (early gum disease).

Plaque can also build up on your tongue. Not only can this lead to bad mouth odor, but it can lead to other oral health problems. Gently brush your tongue every time you brush your teeth.

When it comes to toothpaste, there are more important elements to look for than whitening power and flavors. No matter which version you choose, make sure it contains fluoride.

While fluoride has come under scrutiny by those worried about how it impacts other areas of health, this substance remains a mainstay in oral health. This is because fluoride is a leading defense against tooth decay. It works by fighting germs that can lead to decay, as well as providing a protective barrier for your teeth.
Purchase fluoride toothpaste here.
Many who brush regularly neglect to floss. Flossing is not just for getting little pieces of food or broccoli that may be getting stuck in between your teeth, as Jonathan Schwartz, DDS. points out. "It's really a way to stimulate the gums, reduce plaque, and help lower inflammation in the area."

Flossing once a day is usually enough to reap these benefits.
Here's a selection of dental floss to try.
Flossing can be difficult, especially for young children and older adults with arthritis. Rather than give up, look for tools that can help you floss your teeth. Ready-to-use dental flossers from the drugstore can make a difference.

Advertisements make mouthwash seem necessary for good oral health, but many people skip them because they don't know how they work. Schwartz says mouthwash helps in three ways: It reduces the amount of acid in the mouth, cleans hard-to-brush areas in and around the gums, and re-mineralizes the teeth. "Mouthwashes are useful as an adjunct tool to help bring things into balance," he explains. "I think in children and older people, where the ability to brush and floss may not be ideal, a mouthwash is particularly helpful."

Ask your dentist for specific mouthwash recommendations. Certain brands are best for children, and those with sensitive teeth. Prescription mouthwash is also available.
Purchase mouthwash online.
Water continues to be the best beverage for your overall health - including oral health. Also, as a rule of thumb, Schwartz recommends drinking water after every meal. This can help wash out some of the negative effects of sticky and acidic foods and beverages in between brushes.

Ready-to-eat foods are convenient, but perhaps not so much when it comes to your teeth. Eating fresh, crunchy produce not only contains more healthy fiber, but it's also the best choice for your teeth. "I tell parents to get their kids on harder-to-eat and chew foods at a younger age," says Schwartz. "So try to avoid the overly mushy processed stuff, stop cutting things into tiny pieces, and get those jaws working!"

Ultimately, sugar converts into acid in the mouth, which can then erode the enamel of your teeth. These acids are what lead to cavities. Acidic fruits, teas, and coffee can also wear down tooth enamel. While you don't necessarily have to avoid such foods altogether, it doesn't hurt to be mindful.

Your own everyday habits are crucial to your overall oral health. Still, even the most dutiful brushers and flossers need to see a dentist regularly. At minimum, you should see your dentist for cleanings and checkups twice a year. Not only can a dentist remove calculus and look for cavities, but they will also be able to spot potential issues and offer treatment solutions.

Some dental insurance companies even cover more frequent dental checkups. If this is the case for you, take advantage of it. Doing so is especially helpful if you have a history of dental issues, such as gingivitis or frequent cavities.

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We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here's our process. Achieving healthy teeth takes a lifetime of care.

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https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/gum-disease/how-poor-dental-care-can-affect-your-overall-health

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Health Areas of Concern

Your teeth, tongue, and entire mouth are vital when it comes to your oral health. However, when we take a step back and look at your oral anatomy, gums, also known as your gingiva, have the most significant influence on your overall health. More specifically, unhealthy gums can affect your health in many ways. We dive deeper into those areas of concern below:

Heart disease
The bacteria from inflammation of the gum disease can enter your bloodstream and travel to the arteries in the heart leading to:

Atherosclerosis
When plaque develops on and thickens your arteries' inner walls, your blood flow is decreased through the body, leading to an increased risk of heart attack or stroke.

Endocarditis
The inner lining of the heart (endocardium) can also become infected and inflamed.

Dementia
Gingivitis bacteria can enter your brain through nerve channels or the bloodstream, possibly leading to Alzheimer's disease.

Respiratory infections
Inhaling bacteria from infected teeth and gums over a long period could lead to infections in the lungs, as well as pneumonia.

Diabetic complications
Periodontal disease can make your blood sugar difficult to control and make your diabetes worse. People with diabetes are also prone to periodontal disease. It's a vicious cycle.

Rheumatoid arthritis
The more tooth loss due to gum disease, the higher the risk of rheumatoid arthritis.

Establish Good Hygiene Habits

There is good news amid all of this disease. And that is, it can easily be avoided or affected by your everyday oral hygiene decisions. So how do you do that? Good question. The answer is twofold:

1. Proper dental care

That's for you and your entire family. Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Flossing and antibacterial mouth rinse daily. No exceptions.

If you're already having issues with your gum health, choose a toothpaste to battle gum disease directly.

2. Dental checkups
Get in to see your dentist at least twice a year. They can give you a high-powered cleaning, help keep your gums healthy, and answer any oral health questions you may have.

Every part of our body needs and should be cared for, while every aspect of our body's health can affect other parts and systems. It's not something we should take lightly. A healthy oral hygiene routine will do wonders for your teeth, mouth, and smile from a dental perspective. And that should keep the rest of your body smiling as well.

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https://www.dentalhealth.org/healthysmile

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A healthy mouth can be a great asset.

Our teeth have such an important role to play in our lives. They help us chew and digest food, they help us to talk and speak clearly and they also give our face its shape.

A smile also has other day-to-day benefits. It can give us greater confidence, as well as influence our social lives, careers and relationships.

Because of this, it only makes sense to give our oral health the best care possible.

National Smile Month is our chance to take a look at our oral health, learn more about why a healthy smile is so important and share tips on how to improve and maintain it.

Good oral health can have so many wonderful life-changing benefits.

A healthy smile can truly transform our visual appearance, the positivity of our mind-set, as well as improving the health of not only our mouth but our body too.

But what exactly are the health benefits of having good oral health?

Keeping our teeth for life

By brushing our teeth twice daily, maintaining a low-in-sugar diet and regularly visits to our dental professional, we can help reduce the risk of such diseases like dental decay and gum disease - both of which can result in tooth loss.

Research has found that the number of teeth we have is a strongly linked to how long we will live. Those with 20 teeth or more at the age of 70 had a considerably higher chance of living longer than those with less than 20 teeth.

Tooth loss through dental decay and gum disease are almost entirely preventable and there's no reason why, with a good daily oral health routine, we cannot keep our teeth for life.

Reducing the risk of disease

When we have gum disease, the bacteria from our mouth can get into the bloodstream. It then produces a protein which causes the blood to thicken. This means that clots are more likely to form, and the heart is not getting the nutrients and oxygen it needs, resulting in increased risk of a heart attack.

Similarly, gum disease can also cause inflammation of the blood vessels, blocking the blood supply to the brain, leading to a potential stroke.

New research has also shown that we are more likely to develop diabetes if we have gum disease.

Reducing the risk of cancer and dementia

By keeping our teeth and gums healthy we are more likely to reduce our risk of certain cancers, particularly in women, as well as some forms of dementia.

New research, which examined data from 65,000 post-menopausal women between the ages of 54 and 86, found those with a history of gum disease were 14% more likely to develop cancer. Of these, one in three developed breast cancer while there was also a highly-increased risk of lung cancer, oesophageal, gall bladder and skin cancers.

Those who have healthy gums are also 70 percent less likely to develop Alzheimer's disease than those who have suffered from gum disease over a long period of time.

Pregnant women with healthy gums may be around three times less likely to have a baby that is premature, reducing the risk of having a low birth weight. Research says there is a one-in-four chance that a pregnant woman with gum disease could give birth before 35 weeks. This is because gum disease raises the levels of the chemicals that bring on labour.

Maintaining our appearance

Keeping our teeth clean and healthy can help us steer clear of (halitosis). Bad breath is very common and is often caused by a buildup of plaque and is a symptom of gum disease and tooth decay, as well as being embarrassing and undesirable.

Another very common condition that can affect our appearance is tooth staining. Tooth staining is natural and comes with the 'wear and tear' usually associated with , or drinking lots of tea, coffee or red wine.

Stained teeth are not usually harmful and tends to have little impact on the health of our teeth. Although having stained teeth can make us feel a little self-conscious.

In most cases we should be able to prevent surface staining with regular cleaning, while more stubborn stains may need to be tackled by a dental professional.

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Achieving and maintaining a healthy mouth can have so many wonderful life-changing benefits. Because of this, it only makes sense to give our oral health the best care possible.