This document provides a quick guide to maintaining a healthy mouth. It discusses the importance of oral health, common dental diseases like cavities and gum disease which are caused by plaque buildup, and dental erosion caused by acidic foods and drinks. Recommendations are given to brush teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, limit sugary foods and drinks, and avoid rinsing with water after brushing to keep plaque at bay and prevent problems. The importance of oral health for overall health and quality of life is emphasized.

1. A quick guide to a
healthy mouth

2. Eurico Martins
Portuguese
Married and dad of twin boys aged 3 ½
Dentist since 2006
Studying for a Masters degree at Edinburgh University

3. Why is it important to have a
healthy mouth?
Feel comfortable and
without pain
Chew and speak properly
Smile confidently
To have a healthy body

4. What are the most common
dental diseases?
Decay, cavities ( Caries )
Gum disease ( Gingivitis
and Periodontitis )

5. What is the cause?
Poor oral hygiene leads to
build up of bacterial
plaque
Bacteria uses what we eat
and produces sticky acid
which breaks down the
tooth and harms the gums

6. There is one VERY BIG problem
which is not caused by bacterial
plaque.
Dental Erosion: tooth is being washed away by acid ->
will become smaller, brittle and sensitive
Acid can come from the inside (reflux problems or
eating disorder) or from the outside in what you eat and
drink

7. Examples of acidic food
and drink
Fizzy drinks including diet version and energy drinks
Fruit juices including diluted squash
Vinegar, salad dressings, ketchup
Sour and tangy sweets
Yogurt, pickles, citrus fruits

8. What else is really bad for
your health?
Stained and yellow teeth
Bad breath
Less saliva
Gum disease
CANCER

9. How do we prevent
problems?
Brush thoroughly twice a day: last thing at night and on one
other occasion.
Use toothpaste with fluoride (at least 1350 ppm).
Spit out after brushing but do not rinse with water.
Have less amount and less times sugary food and drink.
Preferably only at mealtimes and no more than 4 times per day.

10. Your mouth is
worth a fortune!
You WILL appreciate a
healthy mouth for the rest of
your life.

11. Thank you very much for listening