Being able to eat without pain and to smile without embarrassment are fundamental to our lives. Our aim is to introduce a preventive approach that is underpinned by a passion for dental health.

Learning how to brush our teeth properly and knowing how best to care for our gums are the cornerstones of good dental health. An important part of looking after our mouths is the bit we do at home between dental visits. Teeth will last a lifetime if looked after properly, so teaching children the right brushing techniques from an early age is vital.

• Brush twice a day for 2 minutes using a fluoride toothpaste*, once last thing at night and on one other occasion.
• Only use a pea-sized blob of toothpaste on a child’s brush.
• Spit, don’t rinse after brushing (as rinsing washes away the fluoride).
• Watch children under 7 years old to check they are brushing correctly.
• Visit your dentist regularly so that your teeth remain healthy and strong for life.
• Change your toothbrush every 3 months.
• Cut down on the amount of sugar and sugary drinks consumed.
• We recommend applying a fluoride varnish to children’s teeth every 6 months. Please ask us for details.

If parties and evenings out that include drinking alcohol are on your agenda we strongly advise you to read on. We are not saying never have a good time but please do consider your dental health!

The main threats to your teeth from alcoholic drinks are their high sugar content and acidity. The sugars create a breeding ground for bacteria and plaque, while the acid can cause erosion of your tooth enamel, making them more susceptible to decay, wear and sensitivity.

Those who mix alcohol with energy drinks should be especially careful because theses can contain up to 16 teaspoons of sugar per pint and have higher acid levels than most other fizzy drinks - even the diet versions.

Research also tells us that drinking alcohol to excess is linked to around a third of all cases of mouth cancers.

• Swish water around your mouth after each alcoholic drink to rinse away any sugars. (Drinking water will also keep you hydrated and this will help you avoid a hangover.)

• Chew sugar-free chewing gum during the evening and on your way home to help stimulate saliva flow. This will help clear the mouth of harmful sugars and acid.

• After a night out, brush your teeth before you go to bed for two minutes with a fluoride toothpaste. Remember to leave about an hour after your last alcoholic drink before you brush.

One of the best ways of keeping your mouth, teeth and gums in the peak of health is to visit your dentist and hygienist regularly, at least every six months. If you have any concerns, please give us a ring, or ask next time you visit and our team will be happy to help.

Smoking causes 50% of all cases of gum disease in the UK. Alongside gum disease, smoking also causes bad breath, tooth staining, tooth loss and mouth cancer.

There are thousands of chemicals contained in a single cigarette and their point of entry is the mouth. Smoking helps to transform saliva into a deadly cocktail that damages cells in the mouth and can turn them cancerous.

Smoking also increases bacterial plaque whilst reducing the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the gums. It generates free radicals which delay the healing process, making the gums more susceptible to infection. At West Earlham Dental Practice we offer smoking cessation advice to help our patients quit - ask for details.

Mouth cancer – know the risks

The majority of mouth cancer cases continue to be as result of smoking and tobacco use. Around one in five people in the UK currently smoke, which accounts for roughly two in every three mouth cancer cases.

The danger is that smokers are three times more likely than non-smokers to develop mouth cancer and seven times more likely to be diagnosed with throat cancer.

Drinking alcohol to excess is another major risk factor linked with mouth cancer. An occasional glass of wine is considered much better than drinking the bottle in a single evening – moderation really is important.

The danger group are those who smoke and drink alcohol to excess. These people increase their risk of mouth cancer by up to 30 times. If you fall into this group, it is especially important that you visit the dentist regularly so that we can keep a close eye on your mouth.

There’s no easy way to say this, but oral sex is becoming a problem. In fact, many experts believe the Human papillomavirus (HPV), transmitted mostly through oral sex, will overtake tobacco use as the main cause of mouth cancer within the next decade.

HPV is very common and almost every sexually active person will get HPV at some time in their lives. Most people with HPV never develop symptoms or health problems.

But sometimes HPV infections persist and may cause a variety of serious problems, including genital warts and abnormal tissue growth. Limiting the number of partners you have and practising safe sex will reduce the risk.