Health & Wellbeing guide

Look after your teeth and gums between dental visits

Build a daily routine that protects teeth and gums, cut the habits that cause decay, and know what to do about toothache or a dental emergency.

Estimated time: 15–20 minutes to set up your routineUpdated: 2 October 2026

Use this guide if you want to prevent problems, keep dental costs down or you are finding it hard to get a dental appointment. Have your toothbrush, toothpaste and any floss or interdental brushes to hand.

Step by step

  1. Brush the right way twice a day

    Brush for about two minutes last thing at night and at one other time during the day, using a fluoride toothpaste. Adults should use a toothpaste with at least 1,350–1,500ppm fluoride, which is shown on the tube; children's needs depend on age, so check NHS advice for them. Spit out after brushing but do not rinse with water, so the fluoride stays on your teeth longer.

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