Why is it important to keep my teeth and gums clean and healthy?

Cleaning your teeth helps prevent tooth decay. Brushing your teeth is just one way to keep your mouth and teeth healthy.

Tooth enamel protects your teeth. If your tooth enamel becomes damaged it does not regenerate (grow back). If your tooth enamel has decayed (gone bad) you might need dental treatment to restore the tooth. Some treatments to mend broken, decayed or missing teeth are:

• fillings
• crowns
• veneers
• bridgework

However, even after restoring your tooth it will not be as strong as it was before the decay started. So it's important to take care of your teeth and prevent decay.

If you have missing, decayed or broken teeth you might be in pain or feel embarrassed about how you look.

A toothbrush won't reach the space between the teeth, which also needs cleaning. Using dental floss daily helps to remove the plaque from this space and keep your gums healthy.

Research has also shown that a healthy mouth is important for your overall health and wellbeing. Spending a small amount of time each day looking after your teeth can have life-long benefits.

How can I keep my teeth and gums healthy?

The first step is to think about your oral health.

To help to prevent cavities (holes) from forming in your teeth:

• brush your teeth twice a day and floss at least once a day
• use toothpaste containing fluoride
• visit your dentist for a check-up every 6 to 12 months
• limit snacking between meals

Not eating between meals will help your saliva to neutralise acids that can damage your teeth.

Who is who at the dentist surgery

When you visit the dentist or have a dental procedure you may be treated by a dentist, or another trained dental practitioner such as a:

• dental hygienist
• oral health therapist
• dental therapist
• dental prosthetist

How often should I brush my teeth?

Brush your teeth twice a day. The best times are in the morning after breakfast and before going to bed at night. Ideally, wait 30 minutes after eating and drinking to brush your teeth.

How should I brush my teeth?

Use a toothbrush with soft bristles. Wet the toothbrush bristles with water and use a pea-sized amount of fluoridated toothpaste. Set a timer for 2 minutes to make sure you brush all your teeth thoroughly.

If you are using a manual brush, brush your teeth gently in circles. This is so that you also clean near the gumline of each tooth. Make sure you brush the inside, outside and the chewing surfaces of your teeth.

If using an electric toothbrush just move the brush slowly along. Guide the brush to all surfaces of your teeth. Tilt your toothbrush to an angle so that you brush your gums. You can gently brush your tongue too.

Spit out the toothpaste, don't swallow it. Avoid rinsing with water. This allows the fluoride in the toothpaste more time to strengthen your teeth.

Manual or electric toothbrush — which one is better?

The way you use your toothbrush is just as important as the type you have. Thorough brushing for 2 minutes twice each day reduces your risk of tooth decay. A good toothbrush has a small head and soft bristles.

Some people find that an electric toothbrush is easier to use and does a better job of cleaning their teeth and gums. Ask your dental practitioner what is best for you.

Replace your toothbrush or toothbrush head every 3 months, or when it looks worn.

Inbuilt timers, phone apps and alarms can help you manage how long you spend brushing.

What kind of toothpaste should I use?

Most toothpastes contain fluoride, a naturally occurring mineral. Brushing with fluoride toothpaste and drinking fluoridated tap water helps to protect your teeth against decay. Some toothpastes are designed for specific needs. You can get toothpastes with:

• higher levels of fluoride
• desensitising agents
• whitening agents

At-home tooth whitening kits do not contain the same concentration of bleaching agents as those dental practitioners use. Your dental practitioner can recommend treatment if you wish to whiten stained or discoloured teeth.

Check with your dental practitioner about using low fluoride toothpaste for young children.

What happens if I do not brush my teeth?

If you do not brush your teeth, plaque will build up on your teeth. Plaque is a layer of bacteria.

Tooth decay starts when these bacteria feed on bits of food which are left on your teeth after eating. The bacteria release acid which dissolves the enamel coating of your teeth.

If tooth decay isn't found early, it will get worse. A small hole will become larger. If not treated, decay can extend into your tooth and the dental pulp inside. This can lead to a painful tooth abscess.

Other problems that can happen if you skip brushing are:

• halitosis (bad breath)
• build-up of calculus (tartar)
• gingivitis (early gum disease)
• tooth loss

Dental care can be expensive, particularly when fillings and restorations are necessary. Preventing tooth decay can help you to avoid painful and costly treatment.

A range of chronic diseases have also been linked to poor oral health. These include:

• cardiovascular diseases
• diabetes
• lung diseases

What is dental flossing?

Dental flossing is when you clean between your teeth. It's a way to remove food particles and plaque bacteria from the spaces a toothbrush can't reach.

Food and plaque bacteria left between your gums and teeth can cause inflammation and gum damage.

You can use:

• string dental floss (waxed or unwaxed)
• dental tape
• flossettes
• interdental brushes
• a water flosser

It's best not to use a toothpick because this is more likely to damage your teeth.

How should I floss my teeth?

Floss your teeth at least once each day. It's best to floss before brushing your teeth.

If you are using string floss or dental tape:

1. Pull off about 40-50cm of floss or tape and wind it around your middle finger. Leave 5cm to work with. Grip the floss or tape firmly with your index fingers and thumbs. Pull it tight as you guide it between your upper teeth.
2. Gently curve the floss or tape around each tooth and slide it below the gum line. Slide it gently up and down a few times to remove plaque and food from between your teeth. Repeat between all of your upper teeth.
3. Use the same flossing action on your lower teeth. Take your time when sliding the floss or tape between your teeth and avoid 'snapping' it against your gums.

Should I use mouthwash?

Some people like to use mouthwash to freshen their mouth and breath. However, most people don't need to use mouthwash. Speak with your dental practitioner about the risks and benefits of using mouthwash regularly.

When should I see my dental practitioner?

See your dental practitioner every 6 to 12 months, or as often as they recommend. Regular check-ups help with early detection of tooth decay and other problems. This can help you avoid painful and costly treatment.

See your dental practitioner immediately if you have:

• toothache
• facial swelling
• sensitive teeth when eating and drinking
• trauma to your teeth

How will my dental practitioner clean my teeth?

During a check-up your dental practitioner will use professional equipment to remove plaque and calculus (also known as tartar). Plaque and tartar can build-up around and in-between your teeth. Calculus cannot be removed by brushing at home.

Your teeth will be polished and a fluoride treatment applied. If your teeth are very sensitive let your dental practitioner know before the cleaning starts.

What are gingivitis and periodontitis?

Gingivitis and periodontitis are forms of gum disease. When plaque and bacteria build up on your teeth and along the gum line, it causes inflammation and gingivitis.

If your gums bleed when brushing, flossing or eating this is a sign of gum disease.

Early gum disease (gingivitis) can be reversed with dental treatment and good oral hygiene. However, when the inflammation spreads, periodontitis, an advanced form of gum disease can develop. Bone and tooth loss can happen if periodontitis is not treated.

How does diabetes impact gum disease?

People living with diabetes are at a greater risk of developing periodontitis. The chance of gum disease is higher if your blood glucose levels are not well managed over the long term.

What happens to my teeth as I age?

As you get older your teeth and gums will change due to wear and tear. Caring for your teeth and gums will help you to keep your teeth as you age.

Some conditions are more common with advancing age:

• receding gums
• tooth erosion
• tooth loss
• reduced saliva production which can increase the risk of dental decay

If you have healthy, pink, firm gums you are at less risk of tooth and bone loss. Daily brushing, flossing and regular dental check-ups help to maintain oral health throughout your life.

How do I look after my child's teeth?

Take your child for their first dental check-up when they their first tooth arrives or when they turn 1 year old. Children should have regular check-ups.

To clean babies' teeth, use a soft moist cloth to wipe gums. It's best to clean their teeth with water at first (no toothpaste). Do this each day as soon as their first tooth comes through.

Brush your toddlers' (1-2 years of age) teeth twice a day using a soft children's toothbrush. Use a very small amount of children's toothpaste no larger than a grain of rice.

Children from 3 to 6 years old should have their teeth brushed twice a day with a children's toothpaste. The amount of toothpaste to use is the size of a small pea. Floss any teeth that touch each other.

Children over 6 years old can use adult-strength fluoride toothpaste. The amount of toothpaste to use is the size of a small pea. Brush twice a day and floss once a day. Help your child clean their teeth until they are 8 years old.

Like adults, children don't need to rinse; they only need to spit out excess toothpaste.

Encourage your child to eat a healthy diet which is low in sugar. Sweets, soft drinks, biscuits and cereals are common sources of sugar. Remember that some food may contain sugar even if it does not seem sweet.

Remind your teens to clean their teeth regularly and make sure they go for dental check-ups.

Resources and support

To find out more about mouth health, visit Teeth.org.au which has been created by the Australian Dental Association.

You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.