Gum specialist Peter Galgut has gobbled up yet another accolade.

Last year, the periodontist was appointed vice president of the British Dental Hygienists and Therapists Association in recognition of his contribution to preventive dental care. Now he has been crowned the 2010 UK Dentist of the Year by the British Dental Health Foundation.

Dr Galgut, who runs his own practice in Golders Green, north London, has spent more than 30 years specialising in gum disease and promoting preventative care.

He tells People: "When it comes to teeth and gums, it is better to encourage people to prevent the problem rather than just putting a filling in." Dr Gaglut, who lectures internationally, says: "Some people are more susceptible to gum problems than others but you must ensure you have a well-balanced diet.

"We need antioxidants, such as fruit and fresh vegetables, to help the body's response to plaque."

Born in South Africa, the father-of-two moved to Britan in 1973. He gained the Membership in Restorative Dentistry (MRD) of the Royal College of Surgeons of England and was awarded an MPhil in acknowledgement of his research into biomaterials and wound healing. He is the author of Periodontics: Current Concepts and Treatment Strategies.

He is the former vice president of Alyth Synagogue, where he is a member.