Harris Family Dental Practice

Is your mouth healthy?  Just because it does not cause pain does not automatically mean it is!

Regular prevention at home is essential, as is a routine dental examination.  

Here are some simple tips to maintain a healthy mouth.

 

• brush twice a day - we always say this - that's because it's so important

• brush for 2 minutes - any less and you are likely to miss some places

• brush your teeth AND your gums - plaque hides in hard to reach areas

• dont scrub when you brush - consider using a rotating power brush

• clean between your teeth - floss or tepe brushes are ideal

• avoid sugar and acid containing foods and drinks between meals

• try to avoid snacking - 3 meals and 2 snacks a day are enough

• stop smoking - a major risk of oral cancer

• reduce alcohol to recommended levels 14 units for women and men each week

• smoking and drinking together increase oral cancer risk more

• eat a varied diet rich in different coloured fruit and veg- helps with cancer prevention

• the HPV virus is implicated in throat cancer - it is transmitted through sexual contact