Dental health for older children and adults

Children aged 7+ years and adults should:

• brush their teeth twice a day - this should be the last thing before bed and at one other time during the day
• brush teeth for 2 minutes with a toothpaste containing between 1,350 and 1,500ppm of fluoride
• use a pea sized amount of fluoride toothpaste on the toothbrush
• after brushing, spit out the toothpaste but do not rinse mouth with water
• eat a healthy balanced diet and limit sugary foods and drinks to mealtimes only
• use dental floss or interdental brushes from recommended 12 years of age if there are signs of gum disease

Dentures

If you have dentures (false teeth):

• it is as important to look after your mouth, even if you wear dentures
• use toothpaste (containing between 1,350 and 1,500ppm of fluoride) to clean any natural teeth, mouth and gums twice a day

Find out more about dentures on the NHS website.

Oral cancer

Oral cancer is the ninth most common cancer in the UK and accounts for 2% of all cancers diagnosed. Known risk factors include smoking, chewing tobacco, drinking alcohol and infection with the human papilloma virus (HPV).

Find out more about support to stop smoking, drugs and alcohol.

Useful resources

Find out more about:

• healthy teeth and gums
• how to keep your teeth clean
• eating well
• why to use dental floss
• why to use interdental brushes

Last updated 15 September 2025