1. Prevention is better than cure. Instead of waiting for problems to develop, visit your dentist and hygienist regularly. Ask your dentist to assess your risk from decay, gum disease & bite damage (wearing away) and to recommend a personal maintenance programme for your regular visits to the dentist and hygienist.

2. Look after your teeth yourself. Brush and floss daily. If you’re not flossing, you’re not cleaning your teeth! Ask your hygienist for a personalised home care programme. Not flossing is like showering without cleaning your armpits!

3. Cut down on sugary snacks, citrus fruits and juices and fizzy drinks – even diet ones. It is not how much sugar you eat but how often you have it that will increase the amount of tooth decay you get.

4. Get teeth straightened (in teens if possible).

5. It’s never too late to straighten healthy teeth. Nowadays there are many faster, less visible brace options available for adults such as the Inman Aligner, Six-Months-Smiles and Incognito.

6. Wear a retainer for life- teeth move. it’s normal

7. Be aware of night-time tooth grinding habits – Ask your dentist to make you a night guard to protect your teeth if you do grind your teeth

8. Whiten your teeth (check with your dentist that it is safe for your teeth and avoid potentially dangerous online products or illegal shopping centre whitening booths.

9. Treat aesthetic problems conservatively with bonding or minimal preparation veneers

10. If you need to have a tooth out, make sure it is done carefully to preserve surrounding bone so it can be replaced with an implant retained crown if you need it.