• Practise good oral hygiene €“ brush teeth twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste, use a fluoride mouthwash and floss every day
• Get regular dental check-ups (how often depends on a dentist's recommendation)
• Limit snacking, particularly on sugary foods and drinks
• Quit smoking
• Eat a healthy, balanced diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables
• Chew sugar-free gum after eating to stimulate saliva production
• Allow an hour after eating or drinking anything acidic before brushing teeth
• Avoid hard-bristled toothbrushes
• Change toothbrushes/brush heads every three months
• Dentures and braces should fit well, be checked regularly and cleaned thoroughly
• If suffering from a mouth ulcer, avoid foods that may damage or irritate the mouth. These include hard food (e.g. crisps and crusty bread), acidic food (e.g. citrus fruits) and spicy dishes.
• Allow hot food and drinks to cool slightly before consuming them. Drink cold drinks through a straw to bypass ulcers at the front of the mouth
• Consider fluoride mouth rinses for children at risk of dental decay.

When to refer

Refer to the pharmacist anyone who presents with the following symptoms:

• Toothache that persists for longer than two days
• Pain when eating certain foods
• Swelling in the mouth
• Pus or a foul-tasting discharge in the mouth
• Fever
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing
• Persistent bad breath that does not improve with good oral hygiene measures
• Recurring mouth ulcers or symptoms that last for longer than three weeks.