Patients from London can learn about good dental health maintenance at our practice, but here is a taster to get your started.

For a start brushing your teeth every morning and night is the bare minimum and if you can take a small toothbrush and toothpaste set into work or carry one in your bag or briefcase, so you can keep your teeth clean during the day. This is especially important if you know that you are fond of sugary snacks to get you through a long afternoon in the office.

When it comes to choosing a toothbrush make sure the bristles are firm enough for a good clean and soft enough not to cause any damage to the gums. Most fluoride toothpastes are of an equal standard – so which one you choose is down to personal preference.

Once you have brushed your teeth however, the hard work is only just starting. Flossing is the next vital stage of the oral hygiene routine, as this is the only way to be sure that you have got rid of all the pieces of food and plaque that are hidden away between the teeth or below the gum line. If you find it difficult to handle dental floss there are plenty of gadgets available in pharmacies or from dentists that make it easier for you to get to all those hard-to-reach places at the back of the mouth.

Finally, mouthwash is the last line of defence when it comes to cleaning the teeth and mouth, and getting rid of the last few bits of food and plaque still clinging on. You should follow the instructions on each particular brand, but at the very least users should be keeping the wash in their mouth for around 30 seconds to give it a chance to do its work. There are mouthwashes high in fluoride, while others contain anti-bacterial agents to destroy the germs that cause tooth decay and gum disease.