Making time to consider the health of your teeth and gums is essential. Practicing good oral health is simple yet so important.

Drinking six to eight glasses of tap water a day, brushing you teeth twice a day, using dental floss daily and visiting a dentist will set you on the right path to good oral health.

If you require more information on how to access a dentist - speak to your GP.

5 Tips for Good Oral Health

1. Use a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste
2. Brush your teeth after meals and snacks to prevent acid build up and tooth decay
3. Floss each time after cleaning your teeth
4. Always take out false teeth before you go to bed
5. Soak your false teeth in Steradent / Polident at least two times per week

How to Prevent Gum Disease

Plaque can irritate our gums and lead to gum disease which in its early stages can make gums bleed when brushing and flossing. It may also cause gums to become red and puffy (called gingivitis).

Regular brushing and flossing can help prevent gum disease. Using dental floss is the best way to remove plaque from in-between teeth. Use dental floss each time after cleaning your teeth.

Eliminating Dry Mouth

'Dry mouth' means a decrease in the flow of saliva causing the mouth to become dry.

'Dry mouth' can be cause by dehydration, drinking coffee, drinking alcohol, smoking, suffering from anxiety or stress and some medications.

If you have a dry mouth, you may experience one or more of the following symptoms:

• A sore throat
• Dry, tingling or burning sensation of the tongue or mouth
• Difficulty swallowing
• Thirst
• Dry, cracked lips or sores and split skin at the corners of the mouth

Saliva is important for good dental health as it is the body’s natural defence against tooth decay. You can eliminate a dry mouth by:

• Drinking 6-8 glasses of tap water per day
• Chewing on sugar-free chewing gum
• Talking to your GP or a chemist about which toothpaste may be best for you to use
• Limiting consumption of alcohol and caffeinated drinks such as tea, coffee and soft drinks
• Look for saliva substitutes at your local pharmacy

Healthy Snacks for your Teeth

Dental decay has been linked to sweet and acidic foods.

Plaque bacteria in the mouth change sweet food into acid, which causes decay.

It is important to reduce the number of times per day that decay producing foods and drinks are consumed.

Drinks of water and milk are acceptable between meals because they reduce acid on the teeth.

Tooth friendly snacks include:

• Rice cakes
• Dry biscuits
• Popcorn
• Nuts
• Cheese
• Raw vegetables
• Yoghurt

Tooth unfriendly snacks include:

• Sweetened drinks such as juice, cordial, sports drinks
• Food such as honey, jam, lollies and muesli bars

References

Inner South Community Health Service, Tooth Brushing Tips, Queensland Health, Oral Health Fact Sheets