Looking after your teeth and gums isn’t just important to avoid problems such as toothache and tooth decay, it is also key to help overall health.
Poor oral health can lead to long term health issues with our hearts, lungs and even brains.
By following a few simple tips, you can make sure that you can look after your health and be confident in your smile.
Oral health Top Tips
- Brush your teeth twice a day for at least 2 minutes – last thing before bed and one other time of day, usually the morning
- Spit out excess toothpaste after brushing, do not rinse with water or mouthwash – rinsing washes away the fluoride which is key in strengthening your teeth’s enamel.
- Use floss or interdental brushes between your teeth once a day to remove any plaque or bits of food that brushing doesn’t reach
- Healthy gums don’t bleed! If you see blood while brushing, spend a little more time focusing your brushing around the gum line. If the issue persists, consult a dentist.
- Use a pea sized amount of toothpaste that contains 1,350 – 1,500ppm fluoride. Check the toothpaste packaging for this information or consult a dentist
- Every time you eat or drink something sugary or acidic the chances of tooth decay increase. Instead of having sugary foods and drinks frequently, keep them to mealtimes.
- Chewing sugar free gum for around 20 minutes after meals can be useful – it stimulates saliva flow which naturally cleanses the mouth and reduces acidity levels.
- Vaping and e-cigarettes cause mouth ulcers, soreness and a dry mouth which can lead to tooth decay. Are you ready to quit? Visit our smoking and vaping page for more information.
- Make sure you see a dentist regularly to deal with any possible problems early. To find an NHS Dentist scan the QR code or visit www.nhs.uk/service-search/find-a-dentist
- Take a look at the Keep Suffolk Smiling Oral Health Advice for Older Children and Teenagers leaflet for more information on subjects such as mouth guards, wisdom teeth and orthodontic braces.
Services available
- Free NHS Dental Care for anyone under 18 (must be registered with a GP)
- If you need an emergency dental appointment – call 111
- If you cannot find a dentist you may access dental care at University of Suffolk
Useful links
- Universal health services – Suffolk SEND Local Offer
- How to find an emergency or urgent NHS dentist appointment – NHS
- University of Suffolk Dental CIC – Providing quality oral health care
- Oral health advice for Older Children and Teenagers – Sep 25 edit.pdf
Page updated on March 19th, 2026 at 01:53pm