Dental care and Disease

The tooth of the matter

Hygienist Hannah Ripley from Norwich shares some key tips for good dental health.

It is vital we maintain a healthy mouth, not just to keep tooth decay and gum disease at bay, but to keep our bodies healthy too: plaque has been linked to many diseases such as dementia, heart disease and some cancers.   Brush the gums as well as the teeth – plaque not only builds up on the tooth surface but attaches to your gums and tongue.

Brush twice daily with a fluoride – containing toothpaste for a minimum of 2 minutes (a special sensitive toothpaste is also good for those with receding gums).   After brushing, spit thoroughly but don’t rinse with water as you’ll be rinsing away the benefits of the toothpaste.

Use an electric toothbrush:  not only is it more effective than a traditional brush, but it is also very helpful for people who have problems with dexterity.

Remember, toothbrushes only clean 60% of the tooth surface, so to reach the other 40% you need to clean between the teeth with floss or an interdental brush.   I prefer a DenTek interdental brush as they come in different sizes, are quick and easy to put between your teeth, and can be used on the go.

A water flosser can be incorporated into your teeth-cleaning routine and helps to flush the gums, but it doesn’t replace an interdental brush or floss as it doesn’t physically remove the plaque.

A dry mouth may be an issue due to age or medication.   There are products on the market that help to replace saliva, such as Biotene:  ask your pharmacist for advice.

And finally:  have regular check-ups.   If you aren’t able to find a dental practice currently accepting new NHS patients, contact NHS England on 0300 311 2233 or your local Healthwatch.