The British Dental Health Foundation is the UK's leading charity, dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of oral health care. 

Free Advice
There are many sensitive issues that young people can find difficult to discuss with friends or other people that they know well. Bad breath braces, fillings, diet, wisdom teeth, smoking and drinking are some of the problems that can cause concern. 

The Foundation operates a free consumer advice service to provide accurate and impartial advice and information. A qualified dental team offer advice on the telephone 0870 333 1188 from Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm, in writing to 2 East Union Street, Rugby, CV22 6AJ or by email to www.dentalhelpline.org.uk - so if you're shy or anxious you don't even have to talk to anyone.

You Are What You Eat
The food and drink that we consume are closely linked to the condition of our teeth. Frequently eating or drinking sugary products is one of the biggest causes of dental decay. 

Research has found that young people are consuming too many products that are harmful to teeth. For example, in Scotland 40% of 11 year olds had soft drinks and sweets frequently. Other studies have found that 13 percent of teenagers consumed more than 22 drinks of cola each week.

It is important to be aware of the amount of sugar contained in foods. Sometimes, the things that we think are healthy actually contain a high proportion of sugar. When you look at food labels you might find sugars listed as sucrose, fructose, glucose or listed under the carbohydrates.

Some of the nation's favourite foods contain surprisingly large amounts of sugar: 

Chocolate digestive - 2.0 tsps.
1 glass of lemonade- 4.5 tsps.
½ tin of baked beans - 2tsps
2 teaspoons of marmalade- 2.0 tsps.
1 small carton of fruit yoghurt- 4.5 tsps.
Swiss Roll 1 slice - 4.0 tsps
1 packet boiled sweets- 24 tsps. 

Why should I worry?
Young people who are having a inappropriate diet may find in later life that they suffer tooth loss, decay, erosion and gum disease - all of which can cause pain and misery and it can cost a lot of money to put it right.

Improve your image
The good news is that you can follow some simple steps to keep your smile in tip-top condition. 

· Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
· Cut down on how often you have sugary snacks and drinks
· Visit your dentist at least once a year

The Foundation produces information leaflets on a variety of topics and they would be delighted to supply you with your own FREE copy on the topic you are interested in. Have a look at the 'Tell Me About' section on the website www.dentalhealth.org.uk where you will find information on 42 of the most important dental issues..

The leaflets are all written in a simple question and answer format. And they do not use technical terms. They are 'plain English approved' by the Word Centre and are easy to understand. 

Don't forget if you want any information about oral health and dentistry you can surf this site or contact one of our advisors.

www.dentalhelpline.org.uk