When to refer
When to refer
- Toothache that persists for more than a day or two
- Pain when eating or biting on certain foods
- Swelling in the mouth
- Pus around a tooth or a foul-tasting discharge in the mouth
- Tooth pain that is worse when lying down
- Tooth pain that spreads to the jaw, ear and/or neck
- Persistent bad breath that does not improve with good oral hygiene measures.
Fluoride fact
The amount of fluoride in toothpaste is measured in parts per million (ppm). Toothpastes containing 1,350 to 1,500ppm fluoride are the most effective. A dentist may advise people to use higher strength toothpaste if they are at a particular risk of tooth decay. In general:
- Children aged under three years should brush twice daily, with a smear of toothpaste containing at least 1,000ppm fluoride
- Children aged between three and six years should brush at least twice daily with a pea-sized amount of toothpaste containing more than 1,000ppm fluoride
- Adults should brush at least twice daily with a toothpaste containing 1,350 to 1,500ppm fluoride
Age-appropriate products containing the recommended amounts of fluoride are available for children.
Signposting
For more information, you can
- Use your Counter Intelligence Plus training guide
- Visit the NHS website
- Visit the Oral Health Foundation website or call their Dental Helpline: 01788 539780.