- For consistent cleaning, brush your teeth and gums at the same time everyday, e.g. before breakfast and before going to bed.
- Only use the recommended amount of toothpaste and ensure all teeth and gums are cleaned thoroughly. You can use different sized interdental brushes to clean plaque from inaccessible areas. Use plaque check tablets weekly to check if your technique is good.
- Make a special effort to quit smoking. Smoking is a major cause of bad breath, stained teeth, tooth loss and oral cancer.
- Change your toothbrush every three months. Remember a toothbrush is not for life, it’s just for three months.
- Make sure to floss twice daily.
- Use a high quality toothpaste that provides protection for your teeth and gums.
- Reduce your intake of high sugar content foods. Keep snacks between meals to low-sugar or sugar-free foods.
- Make a resolution to visit your dentist regularly so that small problems can be resolved before they become bigger, more complicated and expensive.
- Arrange preventative fissure sealants for children reaching the age of six or seven as directed by the dentist. Follow up at six months intervals.
- If you notice ulcers or lumps in your mouth or neck persisting for more than a week, arrange to have an oral cancer screening appointment with the dentist.
