This Dental Health Week, Aussies are being asked to love their teeth! Dental Health Week is an annual event run by the Australian Dental Association which aims to make everyone aware of the key things they need to do to keep their teeth and gums healthy.
You might think it doesn’t really matter if you miss a bit of flossing, skimp on the thoroughness of your brushing, or tell your dentist “thanks, but no thanks, I’ll see you in 2024”. But of course, like anything that’s necessary and good for you, it does matter and it’s definitely worth adding to your list of daily To Do’s.
Now, before you groan and think to yourself that there’s no way you can cram anything else onto a list as long as a Senate ballot paper, it’s actually pretty simple and easy to make dental hygiene a key part of your day…
4 key steps for good oral health:
Brush teeth twice a day using fluoride toothpaste.
Clean between your teeth every day using floss or interdental brushes.
Eat a healthy, balanced diet and limit added sugar intake.
Visit the dentist regularly for check-ups and preventative care.
Brushing
The reality is that a quick, occasional dash along your teeth with a hope and a prayer is not going to cut it. As your dentist will tell you, it is best to brush for at least two minutes two times per day. Brushing once in the morning and once again at night, just before going to bed, and be sure to use a toothbrush with soft bristles. Following the same brushing routine every time you clean your teeth can help you to make sure that you reach all surfaces of your teeth. If you have trouble using a manual toothbrush, you may wish to try a powered toothbrush. Your dentist is available to provide advice just for you.
Clean between your teeth
Cleaning between teeth is recommended for both adults and children every day. There are a fewdifferent options that can be used to do this, such as floss, interdental brushes and water flossers. Some people may need to use more than one option. Cleaning between the teeth removes the bacteria and bits of food that collect during the day. Cleaning between teeth can be tricky when
starting out. Your dentist can provide hands-on advice to help you.
Eat and drink well
The foods and drinks we have every day can impact the health of our teeth. In particular, foods and drinks high in sugar can increase the risk of tooth decay developing. The World Health Organization recommends adults only have 6 or less teaspoons (24 grams) of sugar per day to decrease their risk of tooth decay. This includes sugar found in both foods and drinks. Water and milk are the best drinks for healthy teeth. It is important to not snack on sweet treats throughout the day. Eating sugary foods too often can be worse for teeth than eating a lot of sugar just once.
Say “Hello!” To your dentist
If you can have a regular dentist, it is a good idea. Seeing the same dentist at every appointment means that they get to know you, and this can improve their ability to provide you with care. It is best to see your dentist regularly. This means something different for everyone and your dentist is the best person to let you know how often to return. For example, a person whose dentist finds a new area of tooth decay at every visit may be recommended to attend more often than a person who has reached middle age and has never experienced tooth decay.
