Looking after your teeth

Maintaining good oral health is essential for overall wellbeing. Here are some tips on how to keep your teeth, gums and mouth healthy.

You can also access an Easy Read workbook and quiz that has information on how to look after your teeth.

Tips for helping children

Visit our dedicated page for tips on taking care of children’s teeth. Learn about the oral health of babies and older children and access resources to help with tooth brushing and visits to the dentist.

Brushing your teeth

Brush twice a day, including last thing at night, using fluoride toothpaste. Adults should choose toothpaste with 1350 to 1500ppm fluoride.

Use a manual or electric toothbrush with a small head and medium bristles. Replace it every 1 to 3 months or sooner if worn.

After brushing, spit, don’t rinse, to keep fluoride on your teeth longer.

Clean between your teeth daily using interdental brushes or floss if the gaps are too small.

A dentist or hygienist can show you the best technique.

Food and drinks

Reduce both the amount and frequency of sugary foods and drinks to lower your risk of tooth decay.

Avoid sugary snacks before bedtime, as reduced saliva at night increases decay risk.

Water and milk are the safest drinks. Many fizzy or fruit drinks— even sugar‑free ones—are acidic and can erode enamel.

Smoking and alcohol

Smoking increases plaque, slows healing, raises the risk of gum disease, and can lead to tooth loss and mouth cancer.  

Alcohol consumption also increases the risk of tooth decay, gum disease and oral cancer.

For support to stop smoking or moderate alcohol, speak to your GP or explore local lifestyle services in your area.

• Stop Smoking – Feel Good Suffolk
• Smokefree Norfolk
• Suffolk Drug and Alcohol Service – Turning Point
• Alcohol – Healthy Suffolk

Denture care

Brush dentures daily with a denture brush and non‑abrasive cleaner.

Soak dentures in a denture‑cleansing solution daily (outside the mouth) and remove your dentures overnight unless your dentist advises otherwise.

Checking for signs of mouth cancer

See a dentist or GP promptly if you have:

• a mouth ulcer lasting more than 3 weeks
• a persistent lump, red or white patch, or unexplained pain
• a hoarse voice or difficulty swallowing.

Learn more about mouth cancer, including ways to reduce the risk and what symptoms to look out for.