a to z for a healthier mouth

Our a to z is a handy way to get hints and tips on how to keep your mouth healthy and avoid unnecessary trips to the dentist.

Our teeth do not develop decay or die off naturally. Almost all dental diseases are preventable through a healthy lifestyle and good oral hygiene routine.

Check out the graphics below to find ways you can better look after your mouth. Just hover over each image for more information, or click if viewing on a mobile device or smartphone.

For urgent dental treatment or advice please contact your usual dental practice in the first instance. Alternatively, the Lancashire and South Cumbria dental helpline can also provide advice, support and an appointment where required. It is charged at your local rate. Call 0300 1234010 between 8am and 9pm Monday to Friday, 10am to 5pm weekends and bank holidays.

A is for acidity. Fruit juices and other sugary foods and drinks, such as fizzy pop, can cause acid to build up in your mouth, which dissolves the surface of your teeth and increases the risk of tooth decay.
B is for brushing. Brush your teeth twice a day to remove plaque and prevent gum disease and tooth decay. You should brush your teeth last thing at night and on at least one other occasion during the day.
C is for cavities. Sugar causes tooth decay. Tooth decay in children is higher in the north west than the England average and the number of operations for north west children having teeth removed is also above average.
D is for Dental Check by 1. Children should be taken to the dentist when their first tooth erupts or at least by the age of one.
E is for enamel. Enamel is the hard protective coating that covers your teeth. Drinks containing a lot of sugar - such as energy drinks, fizzy drinks, smoothies and juices - can cause decay when mixed with bacteria in your mouth. This can cause the enamel
F is for flouride. Flouride is a naturally occurring mineral found in water, fish and tea. Using a flouride toothpaste every day will help prevent tooth decay. Toothpaste should contain at least 1450ppm of flouride (which is written on the tube).
G is for gums. Brushing your teeth twice a day will remove plaque and bacteria and prevent gum disease, which can lead to loss of teeth.
H is for helpline. The Lancashire and South Cumbria dental helpline supports people who do not have access to a regular NHS dentist. It provides advice, support and an urgent appointment where required. Call 0300 1234010 between 8am and 9pm Monday to Frid
I is for interdental cleaning. You should use interdental brushes for cleaning between your teeth to remove plaque and bacteria that cannot be cleaned away with a toothbrush.
J is for juice. Fruit juices may appear healthy but can contain a lot of sugar which can damage teeth. A limited amount of fruit juice with a meal is okay, but choose water between meals.
K is for knocked out. If an adult tooth is knocked out the tooth should be replanted immediately if possible. If not, it should be transported in milk, saliva or in the cheek of your mouth to the nearest hospital or dental surgery, where it can be replant
L is for lips. Lips are prone to sun damage, which can cause skin cancer. When out in the sun, always wear a lip protector and suncream containing SPF (sun protection factor).
M is for mouthwash. Mouthwash containing fluoride can help to prevent tooth decay, but this should not be used straight after brushing. Use it at another time, such as after lunch.
N is for night time. Before bed is the most important time to brush yor teeth. While we sleep our teeth are the most prone to decay and so brushing before going to bed removes bits of food and bacteria.
O is for oral cancer. You can check your mouth for signs of oral cancer and your dentist will also check for this at each appointment. Reducing smoking and alcohol consumption will reduce the risk of oral cancer.
P is for plaque. Plaque is the sticky white/yellow stuff that collects on your teeth and contains bacteria. Plaque can cause tooth decay and gum disease. Brushing your teeth twice a day will remove plaque and help to prevent disease.
Q is for quit. The best thing you can do for dental and general health is to quit smoking. Smoking increases your risk of getting mouth cancer. Talk to your local pharmacy to access NHS health and support.
R is for reduce sugar. Reducing the amount and, most importantly, the frequency of consuming food and drinks that contain sugars will reduce your chances of getting tooth decay. It is recommended to only have four 'sugary hits' a day, including meal times
S is for spit (don't rinse). After brushing, spit don't rinse. Rinsing washes away the concentrated fluoride that needs to remain on your teeth after spitting out excess toothpaste.
T is for two. It's the rule of two for brushing. Brush your teeth twice a day, for two minutes, last thing at night and on one other occasion. And parents should supervise children's brushing at least until seven years of age.
U is for ulcer. If you have a mouth ulcer which has not healed after two weeks, is getting bigger, or is bleeding and growing, get it checked out by a dentist or your GP.
V is for vegetables. Vegetable snacks such as carrots, cucumber and peppers are good for your health and a good choice for your teeth, instead of sweet or sugary snacks.
W is for water. Plain water is the only totally safe drink for teeth in between meals. Any other drinks containing sugar, or fizzy drinks, should only be drunk with meals.
X is for x-ray. Your dentist will take x-rays of your teeth at a minimum of two-yearly intervals to check for decay between your teeth and for decay that can't be seen just by looking in the mouth.
Y is for yoghurt. Some yoghurts, especially those aimed at children, can be high sugar - check the label and choose low sugar.
Z is for zero in on problems with your mouth or teeth early. Contact your dentist for support. If you don't have a regular NHS dentist, you can call the Lancashire and South Cumbria dental helpline on 0300 1234010.

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