Teeth and mouth care

Looking after your teeth and gums is important for the health of your mouth. A healthy mouth lets you smile, eat and speak, which supports your general health, mental wellbeing and ability to socialize with others. Poor oral health has also been linked to other health problems.

Eating a nutritious, low-sugar diet, brushing your teeth daily and having regular dental visits are key ways to keep your mouth feeling good and working well. The most common dental diseases are tooth decay, gum disease and oral cancer. Below is a closer look at how these happen and how they can be prevented.

Tooth decay#

When you eat or drink foods that are sugary or starchy (high in carbohydrates), the bacteria that naturally live in your mouth break them down and form acids. These acids attack and dissolve the outer surface (enamel) of your teeth. Over time this can create a hole (cavity).

The first sign of tooth decay is a chalky white spot on the tooth. At this early stage, the decay process can still be reversed. If you think you might have early tooth decay, make an appointment to see your oral health professional. The risk of tooth decay is higher for people who have a dry mouth.

Gum disease#

Gum disease is usually caused by a build-up of plaque (bacteria) on your teeth. There are two main stages: gingivitis and periodontitis.

Gingivitis is early gum disease and occurs when plaque builds up on your teeth, particularly around the gumline. Signs include bleeding, redness or swelling of the gums.

Periodontitis is advanced gum disease that can develop if gingivitis is left untreated. The part of the gum that joins to the tooth becomes weakened, allowing bacteria to become trapped between the gum and the tooth. This can damage the soft tissue that connects your teeth and jawbone, which can cause teeth to loosen.

Oral cancer#

Oral cancer develops in the lips, tongue, gums, and the floor and roof of the mouth. Tobacco and alcohol are the two main risk factors, and using them together increases the risk even more.

Symptoms of oral cancer can include:

• A visible mass or lump, which may or may not be painful
• A mouth ulcer that won’t heal
• White or red patches in the mouth, tongue or gums
• Loss of sensation anywhere in the mouth
• Difficulty swallowing, or moving your tongue or jaw
• Loose teeth or sore gums
• Altered taste
• Swollen lymph glands

Clean well for a healthy mouth#

Regular toothbrushing helps prevent tooth decay and gum disease by reducing the amount of bacteria and plaque around your teeth. Tips for effective cleaning include:

• Clean your teeth twice a day, in the morning and before bed.
• Use a toothbrush with a small head and soft bristles, and a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste.
• Gently brush teeth along the gumline in small circles, making sure to brush the front, back and chewing surface of each tooth.
• After brushing, spit out the toothpaste but do not swallow it, and do not rinse with water. This gives the fluoride more time to strengthen your teeth.

Electric toothbrushes can also be a good option. Guide the brush slowly across your teeth, pausing for a few seconds at each one. Do not press too hard or scrub; let the brush do the work.

It is also important to clean between your teeth, where a toothbrush cannot reach. Products such as floss and interdental brushes can remove plaque from between teeth. Ask your oral health professional whether these would suit you.

Eat well for a healthy mouth#

Sugary and starchy foods feed the bacteria that cause tooth decay and gum disease. Tips for eating well include:

• Limit how often you have sweet foods, and eat them at mealtimes rather than between meals.
• Choose healthy snacks such as fresh fruit, vegetable sticks, plain natural yoghurt, plain popcorn, soups or cheese.
• Choose fresh fruit over dried fruit, because dried fruit can stick to your teeth and feed decay-causing bacteria.
• Have a piece of cheese after eating sweet or acidic foods, as dairy foods help repair damage caused by bacteria.

Chewing sugar-free gum can also help. It encourages saliva, which washes sugar out of the mouth, neutralizes acid, fights bacteria and helps repair the early stages of tooth decay.

Drink well for a healthy mouth#

What you drink also affects your oral health. Sugary drinks feed the bacteria that cause tooth decay and gum disease. Tips for drinking well include:

• Drink plenty of water, using fluoridated tap water where it is available, as fluoride helps repair damage and reduces the risk of tooth decay.
• Choose plain milk as a tooth-friendly option.
• Limit sugary and acidic drinks such as soft drinks (including sugar-free, diet and regular varieties), sports drinks, cordials and fruit juices, and cut down on sugar added to tea and coffee.
• Limit alcohol to reduce your risk of oral cancer.

Have regular dental visits#

The early signs of dental disease can be hard to see. An oral health professional is trained to spot and treat problems early, which can prevent bigger problems developing. They can also provide preventive care, such as fluoride treatments and dental sealants.

Ask your oral health professional how often you should have a check-up. If you have not had a dental visit for a while, it is a good idea to book one. Remember that having no pain does not always mean your teeth and mouth are healthy.

Always see your oral health professional if you have:

• Mouth pain
• Bleeding gums
• Swelling of the face
• A damaged or knocked-out tooth
• Mouth sores that don’t heal after a couple of weeks, or a lump or ulcer that has not gone away after two weeks

Reduce your risk of oral cancer#

You can lower your risk of oral cancer by:

• Not smoking, and seeking support to quit if you do.
• Drinking less alcohol.
• Protecting your face from the sun. Wear a broad-brimmed hat, and use a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen and a lip balm with sun protection to reduce the risk of lip cancers.
• Seeing your dental professional regularly, and especially if you have a lump or mouth ulcer that has not gone away after two weeks.

Protect your teeth during sport#

Wearing a mouthguard when training or playing contact sport, or during any activity with a risk of injury to the teeth and face, can significantly reduce the risk of injury to your teeth and mouth. Talk to your oral health professional about the best option for you.

Key points#

• Looking after your teeth and gums is important for the health of your mouth.
• The most common dental diseases are tooth decay, gum disease and oral cancer.
• The first sign of tooth decay is a chalky white spot, and at this stage the decay can be reversed.
• Gum disease has two main stages: gingivitis and periodontitis.
• Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, cleaning between teeth, limiting sugar and having regular dental visits help keep your mouth healthy.

Where to get help#