PREVENTION was the theme of an open day at a West Devon dental practice, offering advice on how to look after teeth.

Harwood Dental Practice in Watts Road, Tavistock, invited the public to an open day to promote oral health and how to prevent dental problems. People were also invited to bring their toothbrushes for a lesson on how to brush teeth properly.

Hygienist and dental therapist at the practice Sandra Tredwin said the day was about 'trying to get awareness out there, informing people not just about brushing but hidden sugars and diet, gum disease, tooth decay and all aspects of the mouth in relation to the body'.

Practice owner Magdalena Laskowska said: 'We are focussing on prevention. We all know we need to take care of teeth but the gums and the bones supporting the teeth are forgotten about. People don't think about the whole mouth.

'Most of our patients are brilliant and they know that prevention is better. People seem to think "If it doesn't hurt I'm not going to the dentist" but they shouldn't wait until something is wrong.'