• Thoroughly brush and floss your teeth twice a day. You need to be brushing your teeth for at least two minutes, and you need to brush them fairly vigorously – if you brush them very gently, you are unlikely to shift any of the plaque or dirt that has built up on your teeth during the day. Work the toothbrush all around your mouth and make sure you brush all sides of your teeth for an equal amount of time. Don’t forget the teeth in the back! Follow your brushing by flossing – be careful not to work the floss too close to the gum line, as this could cause damage to your gums. Carefully follow the curves between your teeth to get rid of as much plaque and dirt as you can.

• If you have soreness or pain in your teeth and gums, make sure you use a good all-rounder mouthwash. If you want to, use a mouthwash every day. Using a mouthwash that contains fluoride or chlorhexidine is one of the best ways to prevent gum pain and to treat gum disease – it also helps to prevent against plaque build-up. If you experience prolonged pain in your teeth or gums, visit your dentist for a check-up.

• Go to your dentist for a check-up every six months. Even if you don’t think you need a check-up, it’s best to get one anyway as your dentist will be able to tell if you need a filling or not (or any other treatment), even if you’re not experiencing any pain – for example, they’ll usually be able to tell in advance if you need a full filling, which will save you money and spare you a little pain, too.

• Get a scale and polish whenever your dentist advises you to. This is an excellent way to get rid of plaque build-up, which is a good way to prevent against tooth movement.