Advice on how to look after your teeth and gums
Having an unhealthy mouth and decayed teeth affects your overall health. Gum disease isn’t just bad news for your teeth, it can also be linked to serious health problems in other parts of your body and may increase your risk of complications including stroke, diabetes and heart disease.
The good news is that brushing your teeth properly and looking after your gums can prevent and treat gum disease, improve your overall health and help to reduce your risk of further health problems.
How you can look after your teeth and gums:
- Brush your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste
- After you’ve brushed your teeth, don’t rinse your mouth with water
- Clean between your teeth with floss or interdental brushes
- Reduce the amount of sugary food and drink you consume
- Stop smoking and drink less alcohol
- Visit your dental practice regularly - your dentist will advise how frequently you should attend
It's also especially important to look after your teeth and gums if you're pregnant. NHS dental care is free for pregnant women and during the 12 months after you've given birth.
Rydym yn croesawu gohebiaeth a galwadau ffôn yn y Gymraeg neu'r Saesneg. Atebir gohebiaeth Gymraeg yn y Gymraeg, ac ni fydd hyn yn arwain at oedi. Mae’r dudalen hon ar gael yn Gymraeg drwy bwyso’r botwm ar y dde ar frig y dudalen.
We welcome correspondence and telephone calls in Welsh or English. Welsh language correspondence will be replied to in Welsh, and this will not lead to a delay. This page is available in Welsh by clicking ‘Cymraeg’ at the top right of this page.