What is water fluoridation? Expand It’s the process of adjusting the level of fluoride in public water supplies to the optimal amount for protecting teeth. Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel and increases its resistance to decay. It’s not new – it’s been used safely around the world for more than 70 years. Quote attribution: Dr Nigel Carter
Is fluoride safe? Expand Yes, absolutely. The evidence on fluoridation is overwhelming – it’s safe and effective. More than 400 million people worldwide benefit from it, and in all that time, there’s been no proven link between water fluoridation and any harmful health effects. The benefits far outweigh any myths or scare stories. Quote attribution: Dr Nigel Carter
How much difference does water fluoridation make? Expand The difference is striking. In communities with fluoridated water, children have significantly lower rates of tooth decay. In some cases, it can mean up to a third fewer decayed teeth. That translates into fewer fillings, fewer extractions, and fewer children in hospital with rotten teeth being taken out under general anaesthetic Quote attribution: Dr Nigel Carter
Who benefits most from fluoridation? Expand Everyone benefits, but it makes the biggest difference in deprived communities. Tooth decay is closely linked with poverty, and fluoridation helps level the playing field. It means children in those areas can start life with the same protection as those from more affluent backgrounds. Quote attribution: Dr Nigel Carter
Why is water fluoridation important? Expand Because access to dentistry is under pressure. Millions struggle to get an NHS dentist, and prevention has never been more vital. Fluoridating water is a population-wide measure that protects everyone automatically – you don’t need to remember to do anything. It’s a simple, low-cost policy with a massive return in better health. Quote attribution: Dr Nigel Carter
What is the Oral Health Foundation's stance on water fluoridation Expand We strongly support it. It’s one of the most effective public health measures available for improving oral health. It’s safe, it works, and it reduces inequalities. If we are serious about tackling tooth decay – the most common disease in the UK – then water fluoridation has to be part of the solution. Quote attribution: Dr Nigel Carter
Is there a safer alternative to 'Turkey teeth'? Expand Yes, often there are more conservative treatments like whitening or orthodontics that don’t damage healthy teeth. If you’re considering changing your smile, speak to a UK-registered dentist first and get all the information about the risks and benefits before making a decision. Quote attribution: Dr Nigel Carter
What should people think about before getting dental work done abroad? Expand Cosmetic treatment is not one-size-fits-all. It’s vital that people have a full consultation, a proper treatment plan, and time to consider all the options – including less invasive ones. In the UK, patients also benefit from strict safety standards and the ability get redress - such as compensation or correction - if something goes wrong. You don’t always get that abroad. Quote attribution: Dr Nigel Carter
Why do some people regret getting 'Turkey teeth'? Expand What looks like a cheap and fast solution can end up costing far more in the long run. If something goes wrong, it can be difficult or impossible to get follow-up care from the clinic abroad. UK dentists are then left trying to repair or replace the work, and this can be very complex and expensive. Quote attribution: Dr Nigel Carter
What are the risks of getting dental treatment abroad? Expand The main risk is that the treatment can be much more aggressive and invasive than it needs to be. Teeth may be filed down heavily to make room for crowns or veneers, which causes permanent damage. We often see patients return with infections, sensitivity, gum problems, poorly fitting restorations, or a bite that doesn’t feel right. In some cases, nerves can be damaged, which may lead to root canal treatment or even tooth loss later on. What seems like a quick fix can create long-term problems. Quote attribution: Dr Nigel Carter
What needs to be done to reduce cases of mouth cancer? Expand We need far greater public awareness, quicker access to dental and medical professionals, and more investment in prevention campaigns. Mouth cancer is a disease we can beat – if it’s caught early, survival rates improve dramatically. But unless we turn the tide on awareness and risk factors, the number of people affected will keep rising Quote attribution: Dr Nigel Carter
What makes mouth cancer dangerous? Expand The real problem is late diagnosis. Too many cases are spotted when the cancer is already advanced and harder to treat. Unlike many other cancers, there is no national screening programme. That means awareness of the signs and symptoms is crucial – things like persistent mouth ulcers, red or white patches, or unusual lumps. If these are ignored, the outcomes can be devastating. Quote attribution: Dr Nigel Carter
What causes mouth cancer? Expand There isn’t a single cause. Tobacco and alcohol remain the biggest risk factors, and when combined they increase your risk substantially. But we’re also seeing a rise in cases linked to the human papillomavirus (HPV), which is spread through oral sex. Changing lifestyles and a lack of awareness about the risks are fuelling the increase. Quote attribution: Dr Nigel Carter
How serious is the rise in mouth cancer cases? Expand It’s extremely serious. Mouth cancer cases have more than doubled in the last generation. We’re seeing more than 10,000 new cases a year in the UK, and sadly, more than 3,000 people lose their lives to it annually. That makes it one of the fastest-growing cancers in this country. Quote attribution: Dr Nigel Carter
What is the long-term impact of not brushing properly? Expand It adds up. People who don’t brush regularly are far more likely to need fillings, extractions, and dentures. They’re also at higher risk of gum disease, which has been linked to wider health conditions like heart disease and diabetes. Good brushing habits protect more than just your smile – they protect your overall health Quote attribution: Dr Nigel Carter
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
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
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