Keeping Your Teeth Healthy

Did you know?1

  • Up to 2 in 3 Australians’ suffer from sensitive teeth2
  • Australians have an average of 12.8 decayed, missing or filled teeth*
  • 3 in 10 Australian adults have untreated tooth decay**
  • 1 in 25 Australians have no natural teeth*

Taking good care of your teeth and gums on a daily basis can help reduce dental problems you might have in the future. Below are some tips to help you to keep your teeth healthy.3

 

1. Clean well3

  • If you have tooth sensitivity, brush your teeth using a specialised sensitivity toothpaste like Sensodyne twice a day, or after every meal
  • Brush with either a manual or electric toothbrush for approximately 2 minutes
  • Replace your toothbrush or toothbrush head every 3 months
  • Floss daily between your teeth to help remove plaque
  • Mouthwashes may have a freshening effect on your mouth and breath. Talk to your dentist first to see if mouthwash is right for you.
Woman flossing her teeth

2. Eat well

  • Eat a well-balanced diet to give your gums and teeth the nutrients needed to help stay strong.4
  • Avoid soft and sticky foods that tend to remain on the grooves and between teeth4
  • Avoid having too many sugary foods and sweets (especially between meals)4
  • Chew sugar-free gum to encourage the flow of saliva in your mouth3
  • To keep your breath fresh, try to limit the amount of alcohol, garlic, onions, curries and strong-flavoured fish in your diet.3

 

Woman flossing her teeth in the mirror

3. Drink well

  • Drink plenty of fluids (e.g. tap water)3,4
  • Avoid acidic and sugary drinks such as soft drinks, sports drinks, cordials, fruit juices and flavoured or carbonated water (especially between meals)4
  • Choose plain milk instead of flavoured milk4
  • Try not to drink too much coffee or alcohol.3
Woman brushing her teeth

4. Stay well

  • If you drink and/or smoke, try to cut down or quit4
  • Protect your teeth from injury, e.g. wear a professionally-fitted mouth guard when training and playing risky sports4
  • Have regular dental check-ups – don’t wait for a problem. Your dentist can advise you on how often you need a check-up, as it depends on factors such as your age, general health and dental history.3,4

 

If you have sensitive teeth, brushing twice daily with a Sensodyne toothpaste, can help you to relieve sensitivity and help maintain good oral hygiene.

*Aged 15 years and over. 
**Aged 24–44.

1. AIHW. Dental and oral health overview. Available at: https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports-data/health-conditions-disability-deaths/dental-oral-health/overview (accessed July 2020).

2. Exploring Oral Health habits in Australia. Kantar, November 2019.

3. Health direct. Dental care tips. Available at: https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/dental-care-tips (accessed July 2020).

4. Dental Health Serices Victoria. Dental advice for adults. Available at: https://www.dhsv.org.au/dental-health/general-dental-advice/adults (accessed July 2020).