By brushing our teeth twice daily, maintaining a low-in-sugar diet and regular visits to our dental professional, we can help reduce the risk of such diseases as dental decay and gum disease. 

Research has found that the number of teeth we have is 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. 

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

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. 

Keeping our teeth clean and healthy can help us steer clear of bad breath.  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 smoking or drinking lots of tea, coffee or red wine. 

Brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste twice a day for about 2 minutes to help keep your teeth and mouth healthy. 

Children need to be helped or supervised brushing their teeth until they're at least 7 years old. 

Using a mouthwash that contains fluoride can help prevent tooth decay, but don't use mouthwash (even a fluoride one) straight after brushing your teeth or it'll wash away the concentrated fluoride in the toothpaste left on your teeth.   

Regular flossing may also reduce gum disease and bad breath by removing plaque that forms along the gum line. 

Acidic foods and beverages, such as citrus fruits and sodas, can erode tooth enamel over time. This weakening of the enamel makes teeth more susceptible to damage and decay. Understanding the impact of acidic elements is crucial for maintaining strong and healthy teeth.

Water helps rinse away food particles, bacteria, and acids, promoting saliva production, which, in turn, aids in neutralizing acids and supporting oral health

High sugar consumption is a major contributor to the formation of cavities. 

Raw fruits and vegetables are great for your overall health and your oral health. They discourage bacteria from sticking to your teeth and are high in dietary fiber, which stimulates saliva production. Fruits are also high in water. 

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. 

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. 

A dangerous infection of the inner lining of your heart, endocarditis results when bacteria or other germs spread from other parts of your body – such as your mouth – through your bloodstream and attach to the heart.