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Oral health basics
Most mouth problems can be prevented. A few simple daily habits do most of the work.
This is general information, not a diagnosis. It does not replace a check by a dentist or doctor. If you are worried, contact a dental professional.
Your tooth in three layers
- Enamel – the hard outer layer.
- Dentine – under the enamel. It has tiny channels that lead to the nerve.
- Pulp – the soft middle part, with the nerve.
What harms teeth and gums
- Plaque – a sticky film of germs. If it stays on teeth, it can cause gum disease and tooth decay.
- Sugar, often – germs turn sugar into acid. Acid damages teeth over time.
- Smoking and tobacco – raise the risk of gum disease and mouth cancer.
- Alcohol – also raises the risk of mouth cancer.
The daily basics
- Brush twice a day for about 2 minutes. One time should be last thing at night.
- Use fluoride toothpaste. Spit after brushing. Do not rinse with water.
- Clean between your teeth once a day with floss or small brushes.
- Keep sugary food and drinks to mealtimes.
- Go for check-ups as often as your dentist suggests.
When to see a dentist
- Your gums bleed, hurt or look swollen.
- You have tooth pain, or pain with hot, cold or sweet food.
- You see white, brown or black spots on a tooth.
- A mouth sore lasts more than 3 weeks.
Related: Brushing · Cleaning between teeth · Food and sugar
Sources
Paraphrased in plain words. Links checked and accessed 21 Oct 2026.
- World Health Organization. “Oral health – fact sheet”. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/oral-health (accessed 21 Oct 2026).
- NHS (UK). “How to keep your teeth clean”. https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-teeth-and-gums/how-to-keep-your-teeth-clean/ (accessed 21 Oct 2026).
- NHS (UK). “Tooth decay”. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/tooth-decay/ (accessed 21 Oct 2026).
- Oral Health Foundation. “Sensitive teeth”. https://www.dentalhealth.org/sensitive-teeth (accessed 21 Oct 2026).
- NHS (UK). “Mouth ulcers”. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/mouth-ulcers/ (accessed 21 Oct 2026).