Good oral health is about much more than having a bright smile. Looking after your teeth and gums can help prevent tooth decay, gum disease, bad breath and other dental problems, while keeping your mouth comfortable and healthy.
Fortunately, maintaining healthy teeth does not need to be complicated. Here are five important ways to protect your teeth and gums and reduce your risk of common dental problems.
1) Maintain a Good Daily Oral Hygiene Routine
Consistent oral hygiene is one of the most effective ways to prevent tooth decay and gum disease. Plaque builds up naturally on the teeth, so removing it regularly is essential.
- Brush your teeth twice a day for around two minutes, including once before going to bed.
- Use a fluoride toothpaste. Adults should generally choose one containing at least 1,350 ppm fluoride.
- Clean between your teeth every day using dental floss or interdental brushes to remove plaque from areas your toothbrush cannot easily reach.
- Spit, but do not rinse immediately after brushing, as rinsing washes away some of the fluoride left on your teeth.
Mouthwash can also be useful for some people, particularly if recommended by a dentist or hygienist. However, avoid using mouthwash immediately after brushing, as this can reduce the protective effect of fluoride toothpaste.
2) Attend Regular Dental Check-Ups
Regular dental examinations allow your dentist to monitor the health of your teeth, gums and mouth and identify potential problems before they become more serious.
During a dental check-up, your dentist may:
- Check for early signs of tooth decay and gum disease.
- Examine existing fillings, crowns and other dental work.
- Assess the health of your gums and surrounding tissues.
- Look for unusual changes within the mouth.
- Provide personalised advice on brushing, diet and oral hygiene.
Not everyone needs a dental examination every six months. How often you should attend depends on your individual oral health and your risk of developing dental problems. Your dentist will recommend an appropriate recall interval for you.
3) Choose Foods That Support Healthy Teeth
Your diet can have a significant effect on your dental health. Frequent consumption of sugary foods and drinks gives bacteria in the mouth more opportunities to produce acids that attack tooth enamel and contribute to tooth decay.
A balanced diet containing a variety of nutrient-rich foods can help support healthy teeth and gums.
| Food or Drink | How It Can Help |
|---|---|
| Fresh vegetables and whole fruits | Provide important vitamins, minerals and fibre as part of a balanced diet. |
| Milk, cheese and other dairy products | Provide calcium and other nutrients needed to maintain healthy teeth and bones. |
| Water | Helps keep the mouth hydrated and can rinse away food particles after eating. |
4) Reduce Sugary Snacks and Drinks
When it comes to tooth decay, it is not only the total amount of sugar you consume that matters — how frequently your teeth are exposed to sugar is also important.
Constantly snacking on sweets, biscuits or other sugary foods throughout the day repeatedly exposes the teeth to acid attacks. Where possible, keep sugary foods and drinks to mealtimes rather than consuming them frequently between meals.
Water and unsweetened drinks are better choices between meals, while sugary and acidic drinks should be limited.
5) Avoid Smoking and Tobacco
Smoking can have a serious impact on your oral health. It is associated with a greater risk of gum disease, tooth loss and mouth cancer, as well as staining of the teeth and persistent bad breath.
Stopping smoking is therefore one of the most positive changes you can make for both your oral and general health.
Regular dental examinations are also an opportunity for your dentist to examine the tissues inside your mouth and identify suspicious changes. You can learn more about mouth cancer screening at Glow Dental.
Don’t Forget the Importance of Fluoride
Fluoride is an important part of preventing tooth decay. It helps strengthen tooth enamel and makes teeth more resistant to the acids produced by plaque bacteria.
For most adults, brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste containing at least 1,350 ppm fluoride provides important everyday protection. Some people who are at greater risk of tooth decay may be advised by their dentist to use a higher-fluoride toothpaste or additional fluoride treatments.
Choosing the Right Dental Products
You do not necessarily need expensive products to maintain healthy teeth. A manual or electric toothbrush can both be effective when used correctly. Choose a toothbrush that allows you to comfortably reach all areas of your mouth, and ask your dentist or hygienist if you are unsure which toothbrush, interdental brushes, toothpaste or other products are most appropriate for you.
Keep Your Teeth Healthy for the Long Term
Healthy teeth and gums are largely the result of consistent everyday habits. Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, cleaning between your teeth, limiting frequent sugar intake, avoiding smoking and attending dental check-ups at intervals recommended by your dentist can all help reduce the risk of dental problems.
If you are concerned about your teeth or gums, or you are overdue for a dental examination, book a dental check-up with Glow Dental. Your dentist can assess your oral health and provide advice tailored to your individual needs.
Written by:
Glow Dental
Published:
Last updated: