Dental plaque is a soft deposit that forms on the surface of teeth. It contains many types of germs (bacteria). You can usually remove plaque quite easily by tooth brushing and cleaning between teeth.
Common signs of dehydration include: feeling thirsty; dark urine and not passing much urine when you go to the toilet; headaches; lack of energy; feeling lightheaded.
If you or your children like fizzy drinks, try diluting fruit juice with sparkling water instead. Remember to dilute squashes well to reduce the sugar content in the drink.
Try to avoid sugary, soft and fizzy drinks that can be high in added sugars. These can be high in calories and bad for teeth.
Alcohol is a huge dehydrator – it interferes with the brain and kidney communication making you wee more, which can lead to dehydration.
All non-alcoholic drinks count towards your daily water intake, including hot drinks such as tea and coffee. Water, milk and fruit juices are the healthiest.
Most of the chemical reactions that happen in our cells need water in order to take place. We also need water so that our blood can carry nutrients around the body and get rid of waste.
Be yourself – whoever you are, however you feel, whatever life has thrown at you. If things are tough, talk about it. Samaritans can be reached on 08457 90 90 90 or jo@samaritans.org .
The Met Office provides a pollen forecast. If the count is high you can take preventative steps such as taking an antihistamine before leaving the house.
You can be allergic to Tree pollen (late March to mid-May), Grass pollen (mid-May to July) and/or Weed pollen (end of June to September).