Patient Advice

Brushing your teeth twice a day is one of the simplest and most effective ways to remove plaque and help prevent tooth decay and gum disease.

How to brush

• Brush your teeth twice a day, including once before bed.
• Use a fluoride toothpaste appropriate for your age and individual needs.
• Spend around two minutes brushing.
• Use gentle, small circular movements rather than brushing aggressively.
• Make sure you clean the outside, inside and chewing surfaces of your teeth.
• Pay particular attention to the gumline, where plaque can build up.
• Avoid brushing too hard, as this can contribute to gum recession and tooth wear.
• Spit out the toothpaste after brushing rather than rinsing your mouth thoroughly with water. This allows fluoride to remain on your teeth for longer.

Don’t forget your tongue

Gently cleaning your tongue can help remove bacteria and improve the freshness of your mouth.

Should I brush immediately after eating?

It is generally better not to brush immediately after consuming acidic foods or drinks. Waiting for a period of time allows the mouth to recover naturally before brushing.

Remember

Good brushing technique is more important than brushing aggressively. If you are unsure whether you are brushing effectively, ask your dentist or hygienist to demonstrate the best technique for you.

There are many different toothbrushes available, and choosing one can sometimes feel confusing.

Manual or electric?

Both manual and electric toothbrushes can clean teeth effectively when used correctly.

An electric toothbrush may be particularly helpful if you find it difficult to brush thoroughly or tend to brush too hard.

What should I look for?

Choose a toothbrush with:

• Medium bristles
• A comfortable handle
• A head that allows you to reach all areas of your mouth
• A design that suits your individual needs

For most people, medium bristles are a good choice.

When should I replace my toothbrush?

Replace your toothbrush or electric toothbrush head when the bristles become worn or approximately every three months, or sooner if it becomes damaged.

If the bristles are spreading out, it is usually a sign that the brush needs replacing.

Brushing alone cannot effectively clean every surface between your teeth.

Plaque can build up between teeth and around the gumline, which is why cleaning between your teeth is an important part of your daily routine.

What can I use?

Depending on your teeth and gums, you may benefit from:

• Interdental brushes
• Dental floss
• Dental tape
• Water or other specialist cleaning devices

Interdental brushes are often particularly useful where there is enough space between the teeth.

How often should I clean between my teeth?

Ideally, clean between your teeth once a day.

The important thing is to find a method that works for you and use it consistently.

Don’t force it

If floss or an interdental brush does not fit comfortably, do not force it. Your dentist or hygienist can recommend the correct size and technique for you.

Bleeding gums

Your gums may bleed when you first begin cleaning between your teeth, particularly if they are inflamed.

Persistent bleeding should not be ignored. Speak to your dental professional so the cause can be assessed.

Tooth sensitivity can cause a sharp or uncomfortable sensation when eating or drinking something cold, hot, sweet or acidic.

Why can teeth become sensitive?

Sensitivity may be associated with:

• Gum recession
• Tooth wear
• Enamel erosion
• Tooth grinding or clenching
• Cracked or damaged teeth
• Tooth decay
• Recent dental treatment

What can you do?

• Use a toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth.
• Brush gently with a medium-bristled toothbrush.
• Avoid aggressive brushing.
• Reduce frequent exposure to acidic foods and drinks.
• Avoid very hot or very cold foods if they trigger symptoms.
• Maintain good oral hygiene.

If sensitivity persists, becomes severe or affects a particular tooth, arrange a dental assessment.

Healthy gums should generally look firm and pink and should not regularly bleed when you brush or clean between your teeth.

Signs that your gums may need attention

Look out for:

• Bleeding when brushing
• Red or swollen gums
• Persistent bad breath
• Gum tenderness
• Gum recession
• Teeth feeling loose
• Changes in the way your teeth meet

How can I protect my gums?

• Brush twice a day.
• Clean between your teeth daily.
• Attend regular dental examinations.
• Have professional hygiene treatment where recommended.
• Avoid smoking.
• Maintain a balanced diet.
• Follow personalised advice from your dentist or hygienist.

Don’t ignore bleeding

Bleeding gums can be a sign of gum inflammation. If your gums regularly bleed, arrange an appointment so the cause can be assessed.

Tooth decay occurs when acids produced by bacteria in plaque damage the tooth surface.

The good news is that many factors contributing to tooth decay can be controlled.

Protect your teeth by:

• Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
• Cleaning between your teeth daily.
• Reducing how frequently you consume sugary foods and drinks.
• Choosing water between meals where possible.
• Avoiding frequent snacking on sugary or acidic foods.
• Attending regular dental examinations.
• Following individual preventive advice.

Frequency matters

It is not only the amount of sugar you consume that matters. How often your teeth are exposed to sugar and acids throughout the day is also important.

Frequent snacking and sipping sugary or acidic drinks can repeatedly expose your teeth to conditions that increase the risk of decay and erosion.

Your diet can have a significant impact on your teeth and gums.

Foods and drinks to consider

Frequent consumption of sugary foods and drinks can increase the risk of tooth decay.

Acidic foods and drinks can also contribute to enamel erosion.

Simple habits that can help

• Choose water as your main drink.
• Keep sugary foods and drinks to mealtimes where possible.
• Avoid constantly grazing throughout the day.
• Be mindful of sugary drinks, including those consumed between meals.
• Include a balanced variety of nutritious foods.
• Follow individual dietary advice where appropriate.

Don’t forget drinks

Some drinks can contain surprisingly high amounts of sugar or acid.

Water is generally the best choice for your teeth between meals.

A holistic approach

Nutrition is one part of maintaining good oral health. Hitesh’s approach considers diet alongside oral hygiene, prevention and individual circumstances.

Feeling nervous about visiting the dentist is very common.

You may be anxious because of a previous experience, fear of pain, uncertainty about treatment or simply because you have not visited a dentist for a long time.

You are not alone

There is no need to feel embarrassed about dental anxiety. Let the team know when you book your appointment so that they can understand your concerns.

Things that may help

• Tell the dental team that you are nervous.
• Ask questions about what will happen.
• Agree on a signal if you want the treatment to pause.
• Take things at your own pace.
• Start with a simple consultation if you are particularly anxious.
• Discuss your concerns before treatment begins.

Your first appointment

If you are very nervous, your first appointment does not necessarily need to involve extensive treatment.

It can simply be an opportunity to meet Hitesh, discuss your concerns and understand your oral health.

Remember

You should feel listened to and respected throughout your care.

Helping children develop good dental habits from an early age can give them a strong foundation for lifelong oral health.

Start early

Introduce toothbrushing as soon as your child’s first teeth appear.

Children should have their teeth brushed twice a day using an age-appropriate fluoride toothpaste.

Make brushing part of the routine

Try to make brushing predictable and enjoyable.

You can:

• Brush at the same times each day.
• Let your child choose their toothbrush.
• Brush together.
• Use a simple timer or song.
• Praise their efforts.

Supervise brushing

Young children often need help to brush effectively. Continue supervising or assisting until they have developed the ability to brush properly themselves.

Limit sugary foods and drinks

Try to keep sugary foods and drinks to mealtimes rather than allowing children to have them frequently throughout the day.

Water is generally a good choice between meals.

Dental visits

Introducing children to the dentist early can help them become familiar with the environment and develop positive attitudes towards dental care.

Dental restorations are designed to restore and protect teeth, but they still require good care.

Maintain your daily routine

Continue brushing twice a day and cleaning between your teeth.

Pay particular attention around the edges of crowns, bridges and other restorations, where plaque can accumulate.

If you have a bridge

Your dentist or hygienist can show you how to clean underneath and around the bridge.

This may require special floss, interdental brushes or another cleaning method.

Protect your restorations

Avoid using your teeth to bite hard objects or open packaging.

If you clench or grind your teeth, tell your dentist. You may need advice about protecting your teeth and restorations.

Attend regular check-ups

Regular examinations allow your dentist to check the condition of your natural teeth, gums and restorations.

If something feels loose or damaged

Contact the practice rather than trying to repair the restoration yourself.

A chipped or broken tooth can be alarming, but try to remain calm.

If you chip a tooth

Contact your dentist for advice and an assessment.

Depending on the size and location of the chip, treatment may range from simply smoothing the area to restoring the tooth with bonding, a filling, crown or another appropriate treatment.

If a piece of tooth has broken off

If possible, keep the fragment and bring it with you to your appointment.

If the tooth has been knocked out

A knocked-out permanent tooth requires urgent dental attention.

Handle the tooth carefully by the crown rather than the root. If possible, keep it moist and seek urgent dental advice immediately.

Dental pain should not be ignored, particularly if it persists or becomes worse.

Possible causes

Dental pain can have many causes, including:

• Tooth decay
• Infection
• Cracked teeth
• Gum problems
• Tooth wear
• Dental trauma
• Sensitivity

The cause cannot always be identified without an examination.

What should I do?

Contact your dental practice and explain your symptoms.

Tell the team:

• Which tooth or area is affected
• How long you have had the pain
• Whether it is constant or comes and goes
• What triggers it
• Whether you have swelling, fever or other symptoms

While waiting for an appointment

Follow appropriate advice from your dentist or pharmacist regarding pain relief.

Avoid placing aspirin directly onto the tooth or gums, as this can damage the tissues.

Every procedure is different, so you should always follow the specific aftercare instructions provided by your dental team.

General advice

After dental treatment:

• Follow the instructions you have been given.
• Avoid eating or drinking until any local anaesthetic has worn off if advised to do so.
• Be careful not to bite your cheek, lip or tongue while numb.
• Maintain good oral hygiene unless specifically advised otherwise.
• Contact the practice if you experience unexpected or worsening symptoms.

After a filling

Your tooth may feel slightly different for a short period following treatment.

If your bite feels high, the tooth remains painful or symptoms worsen, contact the practice.

After a crown or bridge

Follow the instructions provided regarding eating, cleaning and caring for the restoration.

If the restoration becomes loose or damaged, contact the practice.

After tooth extraction

You will receive specific instructions about protecting the area and allowing it to heal.

Avoid disturbing the extraction site and follow the advice given by your dental team.

After teeth whitening

Some temporary sensitivity can occur following whitening.

Follow the whitening aftercare advice provided to you and contact the practice if you have significant or persistent symptoms.

When should I contact the practice?

If you are unsure whether something is normal following treatment, it is always better to ask.