Caring for Your Teeth: Everyday Habits That Matter

Before you read

General, evidence-informed information, not a substitute for advice from your dentist.

The daily basics

• Brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, last thing at night and one other time.
• Clean between your teeth daily with floss or an interdental brush.
• Spit, don't rinse straight after brushing, so the fluoride keeps working.
• Use a soft brush and replace it every few months.

Eat and drink with your teeth in mind

• Limit sugary foods and drinks, and keep them to mealtimes rather than sipping all day.
• Water and plain milk are tooth-friendly between meals.
• If you have something acidic or sugary, wait a while before brushing.

Habits that protect your smile

• See a dentist regularly, even when nothing hurts. Problems are cheaper and easier to treat early.
• Don't ignore bleeding gums. It is common but not normal, and often reversible.
• Avoid tobacco and betel, which raise the risk of gum disease and oral cancer.
• Wear protection for contact sports.

Helping children

Start brushing as soon as the first tooth appears, supervise brushing until around age seven, and keep sugary snacks for mealtimes. Early, gentle dental visits help children feel at ease.

When to see a dentist sooner

Toothache, sensitivity that lingers, swelling, a broken tooth, or a mouth sore that does not heal within a couple of weeks all deserve a check. Your dentist is the right person to examine and advise you.

A note

These are general habits. For advice tailored to you or your child, see a registered dental surgeon.