Looking after your teeth

It is important to look after your milk and permanent teeth. Keeping your teeth, gums and mouth clean and healthy can prevent disease and infection, and can help avoid pain and sickness. In addition, a clean healthy mouth feels nice, looks good, and keeps your breath fresh.Your teeth need to be cleaned really well every day. This is because germs or bacteria in your mouth grow on your teeth and around the gums every day. It is called dental plaque and it makes acids or poisons that attack the teeth and gums and cause disease. If you keep your teeth clean and healthy every day you will avoid problems like tooth decay, toothache, bleeding gums, yellow teeth and bad breath. Grab your toothbrush right away!- Brush your teeth well twice a day (after breakfast and last thing before going to bed). - Use a small toothbrush with soft bristles. Hard and medium bristled toothbrushes can damage teeth and gums.- Use fluoride toothpaste. From 6 years of age you can use adult toothpaste, but make sure you spit it out when you have finished cleaning your teeth. Children under 6 need to use a special children’s toothpaste.- Gently and thoroughly brush each side of every tooth and the gums. It should take about 3 minutes to do them all.- After brushing, rinse your toothbrush under running water.- Store your toothbrush in a clean dry place.- Do not share a toothbrush as this can spread germs.- Replace your toothbrush often.- Wash your hands after going to the toilet and before using your toothbrush.Tooth friendly foods;Choose a wide variety of healthy foods every day.Finish a meal with a drink of water - this washes your teeth and mouth.Where possible choose medicines and cough lollies that are sugar free.Milk and cheese are tooth-friendly foods. They contain minerals, which will help to repair tooth enamel.Learn to brush your teeth properly twice a day and you will be proud of your shiny smile.www.cyh.com