Why good oral health is so important
A healthy mouth lets you eat, speak and smile with ease — and it plays a bigger role in your overall health than most people realise. The good news? A little care goes a long way.
Gum disease and tooth decay don't just affect your mouth; left untreated, they can cause pain, infection, and tooth loss that impacts everything from your diet to your confidence.
Brushing
Brushing your teeth removes the plaque that causes tooth decay and gum disease.
- Brush your teeth twice a day using a toothpaste that contains fluoride, and clean between your teeth every day.
- Use a toothbrush (manual or electric) with soft bristles and brush gently but thoroughly.
- Pressing harder does not mean a better clean. If the bristles are wearing out before the three-month mark, you're pressing too hard — ask your dentist to show you a less damaging technique.
- Adults are recommended to use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste.
- Replace your brush (manual or powered) every three months, or when the bristles start to spread apart, whichever comes first.
Choose the right toothpaste
The Australian Dental Association recommends one that contains fluoride. When added to toothpaste, fluoride strengthens teeth, making them more resistant to attacks from sugar and acid. Fluoride can also help remineralise (heal or reverse) early decay.
- Depending on your risk of dental decay your dentist can recommend a type of toothpaste best suited to you.
- Consult your dentist about the best toothpaste for your children and at what age you should start using it.
Flossing
Clean between your teeth with floss at least once a day — it removes plaque and food particles from the spaces your brush cannot reach. Speak to your dentist about the correct technique.
Food and drink
- Avoid sugary foods and drinks, including those with added sugar, honey, syrup, and fruit juice.
- Drink tap water. Fluoride added to tap water helps to keep your teeth healthy.
- The average adult is recommended to have six or fewer teaspoons (24 grams) of added sugar every day to help decrease the risk of tooth decay.
- It's not just lollies and soft drinks that cause damage — frequent snacking on foods with hidden sugars can cause repeated acid attacks on your tooth enamel.
Other important habits
- Avoid smoking, vaping and tobacco products such as chewing tobacco, as they can harm the health of your mouth.
- Drinking alcohol can also harm the health of your mouth.
- See a dentist regularly. For most Australians, attending at least once a year for a check-up is recommended, though your dentist can advise how often you should return.
