Tips To Care For Teeth

Tips to care for teeth

Teeth are important for eating, speaking and socialising, so it’s important to take good care of them.

Some tips include:

• Brush teeth and along the gum line twice a day, in the morning and at night before bed. Use a toothbrush that has a small head and soft bristles.
• Over 18 months of age, use a fluoride toothpaste. Use low fluoride for children aged 18 months to six years of age, and standard fluoride for people six years and older.
• Avoid sugary foods and drinks. If you do have these foods, it is better to have them at meal times rather than between meals. Also avoid foods and drinks that are acidic – for example, soft drinks and fruit juices, as acid damages the tooth surface.
• Drink plenty of tap water. Most of Victoria’s tap water has fluoride in it, which helps to repair the tooth surface.
• Ask your oral health professional how often you should have a dental check-up.
• Wear a mouthguard when you train for and play sports where your teeth could get damaged.
• Quit smoking to improve your oral health and general health.
• Limit alcohol consumption.