Many people are nervous when they need to go to the dentist but nowadays with the spiralling costs and reduced pensions our fear isn’t just based on the potential for pain.  In some cases you feel that you would need to be royalty to be able to afford a crown but help is at hand with this advice on how to keep your teeth in tip-top shape.

Maintaining good oral hygiene is the key to preventing tooth decay and gum disease. This means cleaning your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, visiting the dentist regularly and controlling how often you consume sugar.

Brush up on your technique
Brushing is the most effective way of removing plaque and to get the most benefit out of toothbrusing you should:
• brush at least twice a day
• use fluoride toothpaste to protect against decay
• use a toothbrush with a small head and soft or medium synthetic bristles
• start at one side of your mouth and move round to the other side, brushing all the tooth surfaces thoroughly
• pay particular attention to the gumline, angling the bristles into the crevices where the gums meet the teeth
• replace your toothbrush at least every three months

Dental floss or interdental brushes remove plaque and particles of food from between the teeth and under the gumline. These are areas that a toothbrush can't reach. Correct technique is important, so next time you go to the dentist for a check up ask him/her for advice.

Rinse it out
Fluoride mouthwashes can help to prevent tooth decay. Some antiseptic mouthwashes, like Listerine Total Care, kill the plaque bacteria and help prevent gum disease.

Most people know that saliva helps to wash away and neutralise the acid that causes decay but overnight, when your mouth is dry, plaque and bacteria are free to multiply on your teeth and gums. Using a mouthwash immediately before going to bed will kill the germs before they can damage your teeth.

Chew gum
Chewing sugar-free gum after a meal stimulates the production of saliva, which helps to neutralise plaque acid. Some chewing gums contain a sugar-free sweetener called xylitol, which suppresses certain types of plaque bacteria.

Control sugar in your diet
Sugary foods and drinks encourage tooth decay. But it's how often these sugars are eaten - rather than the amount - that is important. Avoiding sugars between meals gives your teeth a chance to be remineralised by saliva. Limiting sugar between mealtimes is particularly important for children. Children who eat sweets or drink sugary juice over a long period are more likely to develop tooth decay.  Don't frequently eat acidic food or drink, like fizzy drinks or citrus fruit juice, as these also encourage tooth decay and erosion. A glass of water is much better for you and stimulates the production of saliva.

Alcohol and tobacco
Drinking alcohol and smoking or chewing tobacco is associated with an increased risk of developing mouth cancer. Smoking also stains the teeth and increases the risk of gum disease and tooth loss. Alcoholic drinks, and the mixers used with them, often contain lots of sugar, and also increase the risk of tooth decay.

Visiting the dentist
You may feel that you can't afford to visit the dentist but they play an important role in preventing problems such as tooth decay, gum disease and erosion. You should get a check up at least every year during which your dentist will be able to detect any problems early, provide advice and carry out that all important cleaning.  Don’t forget that if you do need any major treatment you should ask about all the options available and the expected life-span of each option so that you can make a balanced and informed decision. Of course, you also have the right to shop around for quotes.

NB: Children, and adults who are at high risk of developing dental disease, need to see a dentist more often. You may be at high risk if you smoke, have a diet high in sugar, or have had lots of dental treatment in the past.