Oral Health
Your teeth help you eat, smile, and speak. Looking after them now means fewer problems later – and fresher breath too!
Top tips for a healthy smile
- Brush twice a day – last thing at night before bed, and at one other time, usually in the morning
- Bruch for two minutes each time – try using a timer or your favourite song!
- Use fluoride toothpaste (1,350 – 1,500 ppm fluoride) – it helps protect your teeth from decay
- Spit out after brushing and do not rinse – this maintains fluoride concentration levels
- Don’t forget your tongue! – gently brush it to remove bacteria
- Cut down on sugary snacks and drinks – too much sugar can cause cavities
- Visit the dentist regularly (at least once a year) – even if your teeth feel fine
It is free to visit your dentist for a check-up if you are under 18 years old, or under 19 years old and in full-time education. You can find a dentist local to you, if you don’t already have one.
Rethink that fizzy drink!
- Did you know that fizzy drinks are the biggest source of sugar intake for 11–18-year-olds.
- These drinks are just empty calories. Energy drinks also contain high amounts of caffeine.
- Evidence suggests that excessive consumption of energy drinks is linked to negative health outcomes such as headaches, sleeping problems, irritation, tiredness, and tooth decay, and current rules require that energy drinks containing over 150mg of caffeine are labelled as 'not recommended for children’.
- Most retailers don’t sell energy drinks to under 16s.
- Acidic foods and drinks, including fizzy drinks, can cause dental erosion.
- Plain water and milk are the best things to drink. If you drink fruit juice/smoothies, have no more than one a day and drink it with a meal. Leave a 30-minute gap before tooth brushing.
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