Does it matter what toothpaste I use? Expand Yes. Using a fluoride toothpaste is essential. Fluoride strengthens the enamel, making teeth more resistant to decay. Without it, brushing is far less effective at preventing tooth decay Quote attribution: Dr Nigel Carter
Aren't things like mouthwash and sugar-free chewing gum just as good as brushing? Expand They can be really helpful additions, but nothing replaces brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. A fluoride mouthwash can give extra protection against tooth decay, especially at times when you’re not brushing. In some cases, your dental team may also recommend an antibacterial mouthwash to help control plaque and reduce gum disease. Sugar-free chewing gum can help too, because it stimulates saliva which protects against acid attacks after eating. But brushing is still the foundation. If you miss that, no amount of mouthwash or sugar-free chewing gum will make up for it. If you’re finding you rely on mouthwash just to freshen your breath, it’s worth seeing your dental team, as bad breath can be a sign of problems with your teeth, gums, or even your general health. Quote attribution: Dr Nigel Carter
How often should people brush their teeth? Expand Twice a day, for two minutes each time, once before bed and at least once more during the day. The bedtime brush is especially important because saliva production drops while we sleep, making our mouths more vulnerable to damage from acids and bacteria. Quote attribution: Dr Nigel Carter
Why is toothbrushing important? Expand Toothbrushing is the frontline defence against tooth decay and gum disease. Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste removes plaque – the sticky film of bacteria that builds up on teeth. If it’s not removed, plaque can cause tooth decay, bleeding gums, and eventually tooth loss. It’s a simple habit, but it makes the biggest difference. Quote attribution: Dr Nigel Carter
What are supervised toothbrushing programs? Expand The UK government has recently announced the rollout of a supervised toothbrushing programme across England. Targeted at nurseries and primary schools, the scheme will see young children brushing their teeth once a day under the guidance of trained staff. It is designed to tackle the high levels of tooth decay seen in children, particularly in more deprived areas, and to establish strong oral health habits from the earliest years. Quote attribution: Dr Nigel Carter
Do supervised toothbrushing programs make a long term difference? Expand The benefits go far beyond childhood. Habits formed in those early years tend to last a lifetime. A child who learns to brush daily is much more likely to become an adult with good oral health. That means fewer fillings, fewer extractions, and fewer lost days at work due to dental pain. The programme is a real investment in the nation’s health and future. Quote attribution: Dr Nigel Carter
How effective are supervised toothbrushing programs? Expand The evidence is crystal clear. Where supervised brushing has been introduced, we’ve seen major drops in tooth decay. It works because it reaches every child, regardless of background. It ensures children learn to brush properly and helps those who may not be brushing regularly at home. It’s one of the most cost-effective public health policies we could introduce. Quote attribution: Dr Nigel Carter
Why does the Oral Health Foundation support supervised toothbrushing programs? Expand Because it tackles one of the biggest health inequalities we face. Tooth decay is the leading reason young children are admitted to hospital, and most of those cases are entirely preventable. Brushing schemes are a proven way to cut decay, especially in deprived areas, and will help thousands of children avoid pain and unnecessary treatment. Quote attribution: Dr Nigel Carter
Why do people share toothbrushes? Expand It often comes down to convenience; perhaps someone has forgotten theirs or doesn’t see it as a big deal. But once people understand the risks, they usually think twice. Your toothbrush is a personal item, just like a razor or a towel – it should never be shared. Quote attribution: Dr Nigel Carter
Instead of sharing a toothbrush, what should people do? Expand Everyone in the household should have their own toothbrush, kept separate from others. A good rule of thumb is one brush per person, replaced every three months or sooner if the bristles start to splay out. If you’re travelling and forget your toothbrush, it’s much safer to rinse your mouth with water or chew sugar-free gum until you can buy a new one. Quote attribution: Dr Nigel Carter
What risks come with sharing a toothbrush? Expand Apart from spreading tooth decay and gum problems, sharing a toothbrush can pass on viruses and infections. These can include colds, flu, cold sores, and even more serious illnesses like hepatitis. A toothbrush can hold blood from your gums as well as saliva, so the risks are higher than many people realise. Quote attribution: Dr Nigel Carter
Is it bad to share a toothbrush? Expand Yes, sharing a toothbrush is a big no-no. Your toothbrush picks up lots of bacteria and tiny food particles from your mouth every time you use it. When you share a brush, you’re also sharing all of those. Quote attribution: Dr Nigel Carter
What would a better NHS dental contract look like? Expand A good contract would focus on prevention, make sure dentists are fairly paid for the work they do, and give practices the capacity to see more patients. It should also make NHS dentistry a more attractive place to work, so that we can keep dentists in the system and give patients the care they deserve. Quote attribution: Dr Nigel Carter
Has anything been done to fix the NHS dental contract? Expand There have been small changes, but most agree they don’t go far enough. The system still doesn’t reward dentists properly for prevention or for providing the care patients really need. Unless there is a major overhaul, the problems with access are unlikely to improve. Quote attribution: Dr Nigel Carter
How does the NHS dental contract impact patients? Expand Because the contract limits how much NHS work a dentist can do, many practices simply don’t have capacity for new patients. This is one of the main reasons people struggle to get an NHS appointment. It’s also pushing dentists out of the NHS altogether, as more turn to private practice where the system is more flexible. Quote attribution: Dr Nigel Carter
Why do dentists say the NHS contract doesn't work? Expand The contract pays dentists for “units of dental activity” (UDAs). This means a dentist is paid the same amount whether they do one simple filling or ten complicated ones. It doesn’t reward prevention or the time needed to treat complex patients, so many dentists feel it’s unfair and unsustainable. Quote attribution: Dr Nigel Carter
What is the NHS dental contract? Expand The NHS dental contract is the system that sets out how dentists are paid to provide treatment on the NHS. It affects what kind of care patients can get, how often, and how many patients a dentist can realistically look after. Quote attribution: Dr Nigel Carter
What can people do if they can't find an NHS dentist? Expand If you have urgent dental pain or infection, you can still call NHS 111, who can arrange emergency care. But for routine care, the options are limited. Some may choose to see a dentist privately if they can afford it, but sadly, this isn’t possible for everyone. Ultimately, the solution has to come from government action to fix the system. Quote attribution: Dr Nigel Carter
What needs to be done to solve the NHS dental access crisis? Expand We need urgent investment in NHS dentistry, more dentists working in the system, and reforms that make it sustainable for practices to provide care under the NHS. Unless we see meaningful change, the crisis will continue, and more people will be left without access to essential treatment. Quote attribution: Dr Nigel Carter
Is the NHS dental shortage the same everywhere in the UK? Expand No, access varies depending on where you live. Some regions are more affected than others, but overall, the picture is bleak across England and the wider UK. The shortage of NHS dentists in certain communities is particularly worrying. Quote attribution: Dr Nigel Carter
What does a lack of NHS dentists mean for patients? Expand Unfortunately, it means that too many people are living with untreated pain and dental problems. We are seeing patients trying to self-treat, travelling long distances, or even resorting to pulling out their own teeth because they cannot get professional care. This is not acceptable in a modern health system. Quote attribution: Dr Nigel Carter
Why are people struggling to find an NHS dentist? Expand There is a serious shortage of NHS dental appointments across the country. Many practices don’t have the capacity to take on new patients, and this has left millions of people unable to get the care they need. The backlog created by the pandemic has made this situation even worse. Quote attribution: Dr Nigel Carter
How can I prevent bleeding gums in the first place? Expand Prevention is simple. Brush your teeth twice a day, clean between your teeth daily, and visit the dentist regularly. Cutting down on sugary foods and stopping smoking also makes a big difference. Quote attribution: Dr Nigel Carter
What should I do if my gums are bleeding? Expand The most important thing is not to stop brushing. Keep cleaning your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste and use interdental brushes or floss daily. Within a couple of weeks, you should see your gums becoming healthier and bleeding less. If the problem continues, make sure you see your dentist or dental hygienist for professional advice and treatment. Quote attribution: Dr Nigel Carter