Take a look at our top 10 teeth tips to keep your pearly whites looking and feeling at their best.

1. Create good habits early

Get children into good dental habits early on, brushing their milk teeth as soon as they appear. Take them to the dentist from a young age to remove fear and to ensure their teeth are kept in tip-top condition.

2. Brushing is key

It’s essential to brush your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Don’t rub too hard. Focus on the gumline, the back teeth and any areas where you’ve had work done.

3. Don’t forget to floss

Flossing once a day helps remove bacteria and plaque. If you’re unsure about how to floss, get your dentist to show you the correct technique.

4. Make a regular date with your dentist

Make a date to see your dentist every six months for a routine check-up. This way, any issues will be picked up early. You can also have your teeth cleaned to have plaque, tartar and stains removed to keep your teeth sparkling clean.

5. Get your fluoride fix

Make sure your toothpaste and mouthwash contain fluoride, which helps to strengthen enamel and avoid decay. Another way to get your fluoride fix is to drink tap water instead of bottled.

6. Choose a tooth-friendly diet

Boost the strength of your teeth by including milk, cheese and yoghurt in your diet. Crunch on raw vegetables like celery and carrots to keep your teeth naturally clean. And eat fruit and vegetables containing vitamins A and C to aid gum health.

7. Go for healthy options

Instead of reaching for sugar-laden goodies, get your sweet fix from fruit. Or, try savoury snacks such as nuts or raw vegetables. Instead of fizzy drinks, opt for milk or water.

8. Chew for dental health

Did you know that chewing sugar-free gum after a meal can help prevent tooth decay? This is because it stimulates your mouth into producing more saliva, countering the acid present in your mouth after eating or drinking.

9. Say no to tobacco

Tobacco wreaks havoc on oral health. So avoid using it in the first place or give up if you’re already a smoker. As well as increasing your chances of developing oral cancer and other health issues, tobacco stains the teeth.

10. Protect your pearly whites

If you practise contact sports, make sure you wear a mouth guard to protect your teeth from harm. Be careful when consuming items such as fruit with stones as they may crack your teeth or fillings.

A gentle and holistic service

At Sleep Dentistry Melbourne, we pride ourselves on providing a gentle and holistic service. We offer routine dental check-ups, complete treatment plans and education about oral health. Contact us to know more or to make an appointment.