5 Easy Ways to Improve Your Oral Health
Tooth decay and gum disease are among the most common diseases in Australia, affecting people of all ages. As well as causing discomfort and bad breath, oral health problems can be a risk factor for diseases affecting other parts of the body too – so good oral health is important for your overall health and wellbeing.
The good news is that these problems can usually be prevented, and all it takes is making some small changes to your daily routine. Here are five easy ways to improve your oral health, starting today.
1. Brush for two minutes, twice a day
Are you brushing your teeth properly? Dentists recommend brushing at least twice a day – preferably in the morning and evening – and spending 30 seconds on each corner of your mouth. If you're dealing with an oral health problem, your dentist might advise brushing more frequently.
When brushing, use fluoride toothpaste and don't rinse your mouth with water afterwards, so the fluoride coating can protect your teeth against plaque for longer. A normal toothbrush can clean your teeth just as well as an electric toothbrush when it's used properly, but some people find an electric brush easier to use.
2. Floss daily
Flossing is an important part of a daily oral care routine. If you don't floss, some surfaces of your teeth will never get cleaned. Leftover food and plaque that gets trapped in these areas will increase your risk of tooth decay and gum disease, not to mention bad breath.
If you don't like the feel of floss, your dentist could recommend an alternative, such as interdental brushes or a water flosser.
3. Check for hidden sugars
Cutting down on sugar is one of the best things you can do for your teeth and gums, but it's not always so easy. Many packaged foods and drinks contain a surprising amount of sugar, including many options that claim to be healthy or natural.
Always check food labels if you're not sure how much sugar they contain. Less than 15 grams of sugar per 100 grams is a healthy guideline. Parents should be aware that natural sugars in fruit juice can be just as damaging as soft drinks for children's teeth.
4. Drink plenty of tap water
Does your tap water contain fluoride? Most water supplies in Victoria are fluoridated at safe levels to help protect teeth against decay. Drinking water also helps to rinse your mouth of bacteria and leftover food and can dilute acids before they have a chance to erode your teeth.
If you don't live in a fluoridated area, your dentist may recommend brushing more often throughout the day to make sure your teeth are protected.
5. Keep up with your regular dental check-ups
Even if you take great care of your teeth and gums, a comprehensive examination once or twice a year will give your dentist the chance to catch and treat any problems before they become serious.
You can also lower your risk of decay with professional teeth cleaning. A hygienist can remove plaque that may have built up on your teeth and apply fluoride as a protective barrier.
If you're due for a check-up, or you want to see a dentist in Melbourne for advice, make an appointment with our friendly team at Pascoe Vale Dental Group. Call (03) 9354 7111 or contact us today.
References
Better Health Channel. Teeth and mouth care [Online] 2019 [Accessed October 2019] Available from: https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/teeth-care
Queensland Health. 5 surprising ways you can improve your oral health today [Online] 2018 [Accessed October 2019] Available from: https://www.health.qld.gov.au/news-events/news/ways-to-improve-your-oral-health-dental-hygiene-prevent-tooth-decay
