A healthy mouth does more than give you a nice smile. Tooth decay and gum disease can cause pain, bad breath and tooth loss, and gum disease has been linked to diabetes and heart disease. Most dental problems are preventable with simple daily habits.
1. Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Brush for two minutes in the morning and last thing at night. Fluoride strengthens enamel and helps prevent decay. Angle the brush towards the gum line and use small, gentle circles.
2. Spit, don’t rinse. After brushing, spit out the toothpaste but don’t rinse your mouth with water. This leaves fluoride on your teeth to keep protecting them.
3. Clean between your teeth. Use dental floss or small interdental brushes once a day to remove food and plaque your toothbrush can’t reach.
4. Clean your tongue. Bacteria on the tongue cause bad breath. Brush it gently or use a tongue scraper.
5. Replace your toothbrush every three months, or sooner if the bristles are worn.
6. Cut down on sugar, especially between meals. How often you eat sugar matters more than how much. Sweets, sugary drinks, biscuits and sweetened tea feed the bacteria that cause decay. Keep sugary foods to mealtimes.
7. Drink water. Water helps wash away food and keeps your mouth moist.
8. Don’t smoke. Smoking stains teeth, causes bad breath and greatly increases the risk of gum disease and mouth cancer.
9. Using a chewing stick? Chewing sticks (pako) can help clean teeth, but they contain little or no fluoride. Use fluoride toothpaste too.
10. See a dentist regularly. Have a check-up and cleaning (scaling and polishing) every 6 to 12 months, or as your dentist advises. Dentists can spot decay and gum disease early, before they cause pain.
See a dentist if you notice:
Don’t wait for pain. Early treatment is simpler and cheaper.
Many health plans include dental benefits such as consultations, scaling and polishing, and fillings, within annual limits. Check your plan’s dental benefits so you can use them for regular check-ups.
How often should I visit the dentist?
Every 6 to 12 months for most people, or as your dentist recommends.
Is mouthwash necessary?
It’s not essential if you brush and clean between your teeth well. If you use it, don’t use it straight after brushing, as it washes away the fluoride.
What causes bad breath?
Usually bacteria on the teeth and tongue, gum disease or a dry mouth. Persistent bad breath should be checked by a dentist.
This article is for general information and does not replace advice from your dentist.
