Brush your teeth twice a day. Use a pea sized amount of fluoride toothpaste (check on the label for 1,350 to 1500ppm fluoride).
Always brush last thing at night (before bedtime) and at one other time of the day.
If you eat or drink something sugary, then try to wait 40 minutes after eating as the tooth surface is weakened and needs time to recover.
Do not rinse after brushing - just spit out the toothpaste. Rinsing with water or mouthwash will dilute the toothpaste and stop it working as well
Electric or manual
It doesn't matter whether you use an electric or manual toothbrush.
They're both equally good, as long as you use them correctly.
Watch these videos to see how to:
Remember to replace your toothbrush or electric brush head every 3 months.
Flossing
You might have been advised to floss your teeth. Flossing isn't just for getting rid of the food stuck in your teeth.
Regular flossing can reduce gum disease (gingivitis) and bad breath by removing plaque that forms along the gum line.
It's best to floss before brushing your teeth.
Always ask your dentist or dental hygienist for their advice and to demonstrate the best technique.
Here's a video on how to floss your teeth.
If you see blood when flossing it can be a bit worrying - but keep going as it will usually stop after a few days if you keep it up.
But if your gums regularly bleed then this can be a sign of gum disease (gingivitis) and you need to visit your dentist.
Oil pulling
You may have seen 'oil pulling' and other alternative remedies on social media.
This involves swishing an oil (such as coconut) around the teeth for up to 20 minutes. It is thought that the oil can remove some bacteria from the mouth.
Whilst there some benefits have been found, there is not enough information on its safety to recommend it.
Oil pulling should never be used instead of good brushing and flossing.
Dental care costs
If you are aged under 18, or under 19 and in full-time education, then you can get free dental treatment.
Find out who can get free dental care from the NHS.
If you are over 18 and struggling to pay for NHS dental treatment you could be eligible for support with a HC2 certificate. Read more about the Low Income Scheme (LIS).
View a list of free NHS dental treatments.
Find an NHS dentist
You should see a dentist every 6 to 12 months.
Find your nearest NHS dentist.