Oral Health Tips
This is a checklist of general guidelines to help you look after your mouth and make sure you’re doing everything you can at home to ensure your teeth and gums remain healthy and strong. By following these simple steps you can significantly reduce the chance of mouth problems later in life.
Visit your dentist
If you can, regular visits (at least once a year) can highlight and treat any problems that are developing, catching them in their early stages. Also alert your dentist to any changes in your medication and ask him or her to perform a routine oral cancer screening at your next visit. You can also get your teeth thoroughly cleaned to remove tartar and plaque. Prevention is always better (and cheaper) than cure.
Brush twice every day
Brush gently with a soft toothbrush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste. Use small circular motions and short back and forth strokes. Take the time to brush carefully and gently along the gum line. Lightly brush your tongue or use a tongue cleaner as bacteria can thrive here, too.
Floss once a day
Floss once a day to remove plaque and leftover food from between the teeth that a toothbrush can’t reach. Make sure you rinse thoroughly after flossing. If you have never flossed before, ask your dentist to show you the correct way to do it. If brushing or flossing makes your gums bleed or hurts your mouth, see your dentist. Interdental brushes can be used instead of floss to clean between your
teeth.
Fluoride rinses and gels
You might also want to ask about fluoride rinses or gels as the regular use of fluoride strengthens your teeth against cavities. As you get older you are more likely to get cavities where old fillings have chipped or where root surfaces are left unprotected by receding gums. Fluoride will help.
Snack in moderation
Three meals a day and two snacks is sufficient for nutritional needs. Avoid snacks with sugars and starches and sugary drinks. If you do snack between meals rinse
with water afterwards.
Quit Smoking
Smoking increases your risk of developing gum disease and oral cancer.
Dry Mouth
Saliva plays an essential role in preventing tooth decay by rinsing away food particles and neutralising harmful acids. Dry mouth comes with age but can also be caused by medications like antihistmines, decongestants, antidepressants and diuretics. This can often often be diagnosed by a dentist and a suitable saliva replacement can be recommended.
A simple remedy you could try is a small object (for example lemon rind or an olive pit) held in the mouth to stimulate saliva. It may help to do this or chew sugarless gum before and after eating.
Eat a healthy balanced diet
Avoid sweet sugary drinks and snacks and choose from a wide variety of food groups. See more information and links in the Diet section.
