Keeping Your Teeth Healthy
Did you know?1
- Up to 2 in 3 Australians’ suffer from sensitive teeth2
- Australians have an average of 12.8 decayed, missing or filled teeth*
- 3 in 10 Australian adults have untreated tooth decay**
- 1 in 25 Australians have no natural teeth*
Taking good care of your teeth and gums on a daily basis can help reduce dental problems you might have in the future. Below are some tips to help you to keep your teeth healthy.3
1. Clean well3
- If you have tooth sensitivity, brush your teeth using a specialised sensitivity toothpaste like Sensodyne twice a day, or after every meal
- Brush with either a manual or electric toothbrush for approximately 2 minutes
- Replace your toothbrush or toothbrush head every 3 months
- Floss daily between your teeth to help remove plaque
- Mouthwashes may have a freshening effect on your mouth and breath. Talk to your dentist first to see if mouthwash is right for you.
![Woman flossing her teeth](https://i-cf65.ch-static.com/content/dam/cf-consumer-healthcare/sensodyne-v3/en_AU/oral-health/Oral%20Health%20Article%203.jpg?auto=format)
2. Eat well
- Eat a well-balanced diet to give your gums and teeth the nutrients needed to help stay strong.4
- Avoid soft and sticky foods that tend to remain on the grooves and between teeth4
- Avoid having too many sugary foods and sweets (especially between meals)4
- Chew sugar-free gum to encourage the flow of saliva in your mouth3
- To keep your breath fresh, try to limit the amount of alcohol, garlic, onions, curries and strong-flavoured fish in your diet.3
![Woman flossing her teeth in the mirror](https://i-cf65.ch-static.com/content/dam/cf-consumer-healthcare/sensodyne-v3/en_AU/oral-health/Oral%20Health%20Article.jpg?auto=format)
3. Drink well
- Drink plenty of fluids (e.g. tap water)3,4
- Avoid acidic and sugary drinks such as soft drinks, sports drinks, cordials, fruit juices and flavoured or carbonated water (especially between meals)4
- Choose plain milk instead of flavoured milk4
- Try not to drink too much coffee or alcohol.3
![1292227048 Woman brushing her teeth](https://i-cf65.ch-static.com/content/dam/cf-consumer-healthcare/sensodyne-v3/en_AU/sensitive-heat-and-cold-tooth/Heat%20Cold%20Sensitivity%203.jpg?auto=format)
4. Stay well
- If you drink and/or smoke, try to cut down or quit4
- Protect your teeth from injury, e.g. wear a professionally-fitted mouth guard when training and playing risky sports4
- Have regular dental check-ups – don’t wait for a problem. Your dentist can advise you on how often you need a check-up, as it depends on factors such as your age, general health and dental history.3,4