Most people in the UK visit NHS dentists as NHS dental care is cheaper than private dental care, however, as dental care is not free on the NHS, it can still be cost-effective to take out a dental insurance policy. Many dental insurance policies cover both NHS and private treatment, meaning you can claim back what you pay for NHS treatment.

Why is it a good idea to have dental insurance?

Most people do not have perfect dental health and dental treatment can be very expensive, even if you visit an NHS dentist, a complex procedure costs more than a hundred pounds and some people simply do not have this kind of money available. Dental insurance policies are available from a few pounds each month and this can help to cover the cost of any treatment you require. Some policies cover private treatment and some cover both private and NHS treatment.

If you do choose to take out a private dental insurance policy, this will enable you to visit a private dentist. This can be advantageous as private dentists often have shorter waiting lists and can offer treatments that are not available on the NHS. The NHS only offers treatments that are essential, for example, cosmetic dental treatments are not offered because they are not essential for good dental health. If you do choose to have a treatment, make sure that it is covered by your policy.

How do I choose the best policy for me?

There are so many dental insurance policies out there that it can be very difficult to decide which one is best for you. To help you decide, try to read up on different policies, use comparison sites to see what each company offers for the same price and contact individual insurance providers to see if they are offering any deals or incentives for new customers. Make sure you read the small print carefully and choose a policy based on what it offers for the amount of money you want to pay, bear in mind that a cheaper policy usually offers less comprehensive cover than a more expensive policy.

Some employers offer dental insurance alongside private medical insurance. Ask your employer for details of any insurance benefits and check the details of the policy carefully before you decide to see a private dentist, if the treatment is not covered, you will have to pay full rates, which may be very expensive.

Flossing is an ever important part of oral hygiene as is toothpaste and mouthwash, so take some time to read the following technique guide:

Take about 45-50 cm of floss. Wind most of it around one of your middle finger and the remaining around the same finger of the opposite hand. Hold the floss tightly between your thumbs and forefingers, making sure to leave at least 3 cm of floss between your hands.

Now guide the dental floss to the space between your teeth using a gentle rubbing motion. On reaching the gum line, curve the floss into a C shape against one tooth, sliding it gently into the space between the gum and the tooth in the process. Holding the floss tightly against the tooth, gently rub the side of the tooth with up and down motions.

Repeat the procedure for the rest of your teeth to complete the dental job, including the back side of your last tooth. Wash your mouth with water or mouthwash after flossing your teeth, to rinse out he loosened debris. Report to your dentist if the dental floss gets stuck in a spot where it generally does not otherwise.

Types of dental floss include waxed and unwaxed dental floss, thread/string and tape dental floss, flavored and unflavored dental floss, and teflon dental floss.

Choosing the dental floss and aids is also important. In case of smaller spaces between teeth, choose waxed and/or teflon dental flosses that slide between the teeth more easily. Choose the floss that’s the easiest to use. Use a flossing aid if you have difficulty in flossing, such as a dental floss holder – especially beneficial for those wearing orthodontic braces, and under bridges, implants and between connected crowns

Just like with your teeth, you still have to keep your dentures clean but there is a different way of keeping your dentures clean verses brushing your teeth.

While you handling your dentures, make sure you handle them with care. Try to avoid them dropping them. If you do have to hold them for a long period of time, that you have either a sink full of water or a folded towel under you.

On a daily base, brush and rinse your dentures. While you are brushing them, make sure you use a toothbrush that has soft bristles. There are toothbrushes that is designed for brushing dentures. After each meal or in between meals, make sure you rinse your mouth out with water.

There are different ways of keeping your dentures clean. One way, is using denture cleaner that you can get any drug store. There are some household cleaner, tooth paste, hand soap or mild dish washing soap but make sure you do not use anything that has abrasive. Do not bleach your dentures because by doing so, you will also turn the pink part of your dentures and you do not want that because that pink portion you want for it can blend in with your gums. When you are not wearing your dentures, make sure they stay moist for they do not dry out or lose their shape.

When you are keeping your dentures moist, do not place them in hot water because the hot water will make them warp. If you do not have any type of solution for your dentures to soak in, you can always place them in warm temperature water.

A chief cause of tooth decay is the food and drink we consume. The Western diet is unfortunately built on the foundations of food and drink which are quite high in fermented carbohydrates, which are easily broken down by bacteria into acids which are perilous to teeth. The result can be infection and tooth decay which can require root canal treatment or even extraction.

Now, I am not suggesting an overnight switch in Western diet. If this occurred many fine dentists would probably go out of business and a long line of ‘ dental practice sales’ signs would mar the aesthetic of our fine streets. What I would like to achieve is merely recognition of the good, the bad and the make-your-teeth-ugly types of food and drink.

Cut down on carbonated drinks, crisps, biscuits, sweets, white bread, coffee and tea and chocolate: these are delicious but are to root canals what kryptonite is to Superman. Instead, go for healthier options such as fruit and veg, cheese and, if you must drink them, opt for diet drinks and unsweetened coffee and tea. Replace sweets and chocs with sugar free gum. There, I feel I’ve done my good deed and kept on the good side of Dublin dentists at the same time.