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Prevention: stopping problems before they start
Most mouth diseases can be prevented. Your dental team can help with check-ups and simple treatments.
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.
At the dentist
- Check-ups find problems early, when they are easier to treat.
- Fluoride varnish is painted on teeth to help stop decay. Children from age 3 are often offered it at least twice a year.
- Fissure sealants are a thin coating on the chewing side of back teeth. They keep germs and food out of the grooves. They are often done when adult back teeth come in (about age 6 to 7, and again 11 to 14).
- High-fluoride toothpaste may be prescribed for people at high risk of decay.
At home
- Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Spit, do not rinse.
- Clean between teeth every day.
- Keep sugar to mealtimes.
- Do not smoke. Keep alcohol low.
When to see a dentist
- It has been 2 years since your last check-up (1 year for under-18s).
- You think your child might benefit from varnish or sealants. Ask at your next visit.
Related: Fluoride · All dental treatments
Sources
Paraphrased in plain words. Links checked and accessed 21 Oct 2026.
- NHS (UK). “Dental check-ups”. https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-teeth-and-gums/dental-check-ups/ (accessed 21 Oct 2026).
- NHS (UK). “Children's teeth”. https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-teeth-and-gums/taking-care-of-childrens-teeth/ (accessed 21 Oct 2026).
- ADA MouthHealthy. “Sealants”. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/sealants (accessed 21 Oct 2026).
- Oral Health Foundation. “Fluoride”. https://www.dentalhealth.org/fluoride (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).