Let your smile do the talking
Take care of your teeth. Don't forget your gums!
Every day we hear from people who are struggling to see an NHS dentist. That means that looking after our teeth is more important than ever!
What else can you do to protect your teeth and gums?
- Brush your teeth twice a day with a toothpaste that has fluoride in it
- Don’t rinse your mouth with water after you’ve cleaned your teeth; you want the fluoride to stay in your mouth to protect your teeth
- Crack out the floss, or use one of those tiny interdental brushes, every day to remove food, debris and plaque. They help stop gum disease and everyone over the age of 12 should be doing it. Here’s some top tips to get your flossing right Why should I use dental floss? - NHS (www.nhs.uk)
- Cut down on sugar, don’t smoke and limit your alcohol intake. Your body will thank you too! Sugar creates acid that slowly wears down enamel, creating holes in your teeth.
- If you have children, start brushing their teeth as soon as they pop through
- Help your children to understand that it’s important to look after their teeth. Good habits now will last a lifetime
- Try and have regular check ups with your dentist. We know this is difficult for many detecting problems early can mean they’re easier to treat.
I’ve got more important things to do!
If you don’t look after your teeth, you’re opening yourself up to a whole host of issues such as:
- Bad breath is caused by bacteria that grow on bits of leftover food hiding between your teeth. Sulphur compounds unleashed by bacteria are responsible for the smell!
- Tooth pain can be unbearable. This is because the inside of your tooth contains highly sensitive nerve endings. When these nerves become exposed or irritated they are really painful.
- Tooth decay, exposed gums and tooth loss can affect the way we eat and speak.
- Gum disease can lead to bad breath, tooth decay and pain. Other symptoms include inflamed or receding gums, an unpleasant taste in your mouth or abscesses.
- Embarrassment, lack of confidence and low self-esteem are often linked to oral hygiene. This can seriously impact your quality of life and lead to the development of other mental health conditions.
Take the quiz and see how you are doing
Are you struggling to find an NHS dentist?
We know many of you are finding it hard to get an NHS dentist. You’ve also told us that it can be confusing to understand the charging system and what you need to pay for.
We don’t have a magic wand to find you a dentist, but we have created a dental leaflet that explains the best way to try and get a dentist.
Download the leaflet here
If you’re still struggling to find an NHS dentist, tell us your story!
The more feedback we get, the more likely decision makers will listen to us. So tell us your story about getting a dentist appointment and help us to make a difference.
