5 Bad Dental Health Habits To Ditch
When it comes to dental health, what worked when you were 22 doesn’t work when you’re 52. Among other things, the hormonal changes associated with perimenopause and menopause may increase the likelihood of developing gum disease such as gingivitis and periodontitis according to Dr Sue-Ching Yeoh, an oral medicine specialist who works at Sydney’s Royal Prince Alfred Hospital and the Chris O’Brien Lifehouse.
“Common signs include bleeding of the gums when brushing, change in the appearance of the gums – redness, puffiness or gums shrinking away from the teeth in places – halitosis or loosening of teeth,” says Dr Yeoh.
Dr Yeoh has identified five habits you need to ditch if you want to keep on top of your dental health – and five simple practices that should be part of your daily routine.
DITCH
Avoid using vigorous force when brushing. Many people think that the harder you brush, the more effective it is, but the opposite is true.
Don’t rinse after brushing, just spit out the excess toothpaste but don’t rinse your mouth out. This allows the fluoride in the toothpaste residue to stay on your teeth and protect them for longer.
If you usually add a slice of lemon to the water you drink, switch to cucumber or mint. Lemon or lime causes the water to become acidic, which may damage tooth enamel.
Swishing the liquid around your mouth when having a sugary drink, or holding it in your mouth, can increase exposure to the sugary and/or acidic liquid. Opt for a glass of water between sweet drinks to reduce harm.
Think twice before using so-called natural or chemical-free oral health products, which can irritate the soft tissues in the mouth or wear away tooth enamel. Some charcoal toothpastes have been shown to collect under the gums and discolour them, and many charcoal toothpastes don’t include fluoride, which protects your teeth.
DO
Brush teeth twice a day. It’s the best way to remove the build-up of bacteria in our mouths which can cause tooth decay and gum disease, yet one in five adults forget to do it, according to the Australian Dental Association. For best results, divide your mouth into quarters and brush for 30 seconds per quarter.
Always use a toothpaste containing fluoride. There are many oral health products hitting the market that don’t include this all-important ingredient, which countless studies show offers the best protection for your teeth.
Drink lots of tap water. In 89 per cent of Australian communities, water supplies have fluoride included to protect and strengthen teeth.
Clean between your teeth every day using floss, interdental brushes or another method suggested by your dentist, to remove the bacteria and food that brushing doesn’t reach. This helps to keep your gums healthy and free from inflammation and disease.
Visit your dentist at least once a year so that they can spot and manage any issues, helping you avoid more serious problems and massive dental bills.