Maintaining good oral health is important. It contributes to general wellbeing and allows you to eat, speak and socialise without discomfort or embarrassment.

Whether you have your own teeth or wear dentures, you should see your dentist regularly for an overall check of your mouth, teeth, gums and fit of your dentures.

• Reduce the amount and frequency of sugary foods and drinks you consume and avoid eating or drinking sugary foods and drinks just before bedtime
• Using fluoride toothpaste is an effective way of preventing tooth decay
• Brush your teeth at least twice a day, last thing at night and on one other occasion, with fluoride toothpaste
• Your dentist may prescribe a toothpaste with a higher fluoride content if you have tooth decay or are at particular risk of tooth decay.
• Spit rather than rinse after brushing, and do not use mouthwash straightaway as this will rinse away the fluoride in the toothpaste.
• Avoid excess alcohol consumption
• Do not smoke (or use smokeless tobacco such as paan, chewing tobacco and gutka), as this can increase the risk of mouth cancer. If you would like help to stop smoking, ask your dentist to refer you to your local stop smoking service
• Find out how to avoid gum disease

A dry mouth can increase your risk of dental decay and can impact on your quality of life through its effect on your ability to speak, eat and enjoy your food. It can also affect the comfort of your dentures, if you wear them.

• Take regular sips of water
• Suck on sugar-free sweets or chew sugar–free gum
• Suck on ice-cubes
• Avoid alcohol (including alcohol-based mouthwashes)
• Ask your dentist, GP or specialist to suggest/prescribe an artificial saliva substitute
• Look online for help with a dry mouth