Protecting your smile involves more than keeping your teeth white. Healthy teeth naturally occur in a range of colours, and a bright shade does not necessarily indicate that teeth and gums are free from disease.
Daily plaque removal, a tooth-conscious diet, protection from physical damage and appropriate dental care can all contribute to maintaining oral health.
Here are four practical ways to care for your teeth and gums.
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Brush thoroughly and clean between your teeth
Plaque forms on the teeth each day. If it is not removed regularly, it can contribute to tooth decay and gum inflammation.
The Australian Dental Association generally recommends that adults:
- Brush twice daily
- Brush for approximately two minutes
- Use a soft-bristled manual or electric toothbrush
- Use fluoride toothpaste
- Clean between the teeth every day
After brushing, spit out the excess toothpaste rather than immediately rinsing it away with water. This allows fluoride to remain in contact with the teeth for longer.
Use gentle pressure
Brushing harder does not necessarily clean teeth more effectively. Excessive pressure can contribute to gum irritation, toothbrush wear and loss of tooth structure over time.
Position the toothbrush so that it cleans both the teeth and the gum margins. Replace the brush or brush head when the bristles become worn or according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Do not forget the spaces between your teeth
A toothbrush cannot clean every surface between adjacent teeth. Depending on your teeth and gums, your dental practitioner may recommend:
- Dental floss
- Interdental brushes
- Floss holders
- Water irrigation as an additional aid
- Special cleaning aids around bridges, implants or orthodontic appliances
The most appropriate product and technique depend on the size of the spaces and your oral health.
Bleeding during cleaning can be a sign of gum inflammation. Continue cleaning gently and seek dental advice if bleeding persists.
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Limit how often teeth are exposed to sugar and acid
Oral bacteria use sugars from food and drinks to produce acids. Repeated acid exposure can increase the risk of tooth decay.
Acidic foods and drinks can also contribute directly to tooth erosion. Examples include:
- Soft drinks
- Sports and energy drinks
- Fruit juice
- Citrus-flavoured water
- Wine
- Some sweetened teas and coffees
- Frequent acidic snacks
The frequency of exposure matters. Regularly sipping or snacking throughout the day gives saliva less time to neutralise acids.
Practical steps include:
- Make plain water your usual drink
- Limit sugary and acidic foods and drinks
- Have treats with meals rather than repeatedly between meals
- Avoid holding or swishing acidic drinks around the teeth
- Rinse your mouth with plain water after an acidic drink or meal
- Avoid brushing immediately after an acidic exposure
The Australian Dental Association advises waiting at least 60 minutes before brushing after consuming acidic foods or drinks, as the tooth surface may be more vulnerable to wear.
Do crunchy fruit and vegetables clean teeth?
Fruit and vegetables can form part of a balanced diet, but celery, apples and other crunchy foods do not replace brushing and interdental cleaning.
Some fruits are also acidic or contain natural sugars. They can still be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet, but they should not be promoted as natural toothbrushes or treatments for plaque.
Sugar-free chewing gum may assist saliva flow after meals for some people, but it is not a substitute for cleaning the teeth.
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Protect teeth from injuries and damaging habits
Teeth can be damaged by sport, accidents, clenching, grinding and using them for purposes other than eating.
Wear an appropriate sports mouthguard
A properly fitted mouthguard may reduce the risk of dental injuries during contact or collision sports.
A dental practitioner can assess whether a custom-made mouthguard is appropriate. Mouthguards should be checked as the teeth, bite or dental treatment change.
Clear orthodontic aligners and retainers are not substitutes for sports mouthguards.
Do not use your teeth as tools
Avoid using your teeth to:
- Open packaging
- Remove bottle tops
- Cut fishing line or thread
- Crack hard shells
- Bite pens or other objects
- Chew ice
These habits can fracture natural teeth, fillings, veneers, crowns and implant-supported restorations.
Seek advice about clenching or grinding
Clenching and grinding may contribute to tooth wear, fractures, muscle discomfort or damage to restorations.
Signs can include:
- Flattened or shortened teeth
- Small fractures
- Morning jaw fatigue
- Tender chewing muscles
- Damage to existing dental work
These signs can have several causes. An assessment is required before a protective appliance or other management is recommended.
Avoid smoking and vaping
Smoking is associated with gum disease, oral cancer, delayed healing and other oral-health concerns. Vaping can contribute to dry mouth and oral irritation, and its long-term effects continue to be studied.
Speak with your medical practitioner, pharmacist or an appropriate cessation service if you would like help stopping.
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Arrange dental reviews and approach whitening carefully
Dental examinations can identify changes that may not be painful or visible at home, including:
- Early tooth decay
- Gum disease
- Tooth wear
- Cracked teeth or restorations
- Oral soft-tissue changes
- Problems around implants, crowns or veneers
The appropriate frequency of dental reviews varies. Your dental practitioner should recommend an interval based on your oral health, risk factors and treatment history rather than applying the same schedule to everyone.
Professional cleaning may remove plaque, calculus and some external stains. It does not necessarily change the underlying colour of the teeth.
Is teeth whitening necessary for a healthy smile?
No. Teeth whitening is an elective cosmetic treatment and is not required for dental health.
If tooth colour concerns you, an examination can help determine the cause. Discolouration may be associated with:
- External staining
- Natural tooth colour
- Age-related changes
- Previous trauma
- Tooth decay
- Medication or developmental factors
- An ageing filling or restoration
- Changes within the dental pulp
Whitening may improve some types of discolouration but will not address every cause.
What should you know before whitening?
Professional whitening uses a bleaching agent to lighten natural tooth enamel. Options may include treatment performed at a dental practice or dentist-supervised take-home whitening.
Possible side effects include:
- Temporary or significant tooth sensitivity
- Gum irritation
- Chemical burns
- Uneven colour
- An outcome different from expectations
Whitening does not change the colour of:
- Porcelain veneers
- Dental crowns
- Composite bonding
- Tooth-coloured fillings
- Implant-supported crowns
These restorations may appear different from the whitened natural teeth.
Whitening results also vary and are not permanent. Further treatment should only be undertaken when appropriate and according to professional instructions. Excessive or unsupervised use can increase side effects.
DIY mixtures involving acids, concentrated peroxide or abrasive ingredients may damage the teeth or soft tissues and should be avoided.
When should you seek dental advice?
Arrange an assessment if you notice:
- Toothache
- Persistent sensitivity
- Bleeding or swollen gums
- A loose tooth
- A chipped or cracked tooth
- A filling or restoration that feels damaged
- Persistent bad breath
- A mouth ulcer or unexplained change that does not heal
- Facial or gum swelling
Seek urgent medical attention if swelling affects breathing or swallowing or if you become significantly unwell.
Discuss your oral health in Perth
To discuss preventive dental care or whether teeth whitening may be suitable for you, contact Smile Design Studio in Mosman Park, Perth, on (08) 9468 3322 or request an appointment online.
Important information
This article contains general information only and does not replace individual dental or medical advice.
Oral-health needs, dental-review intervals and treatment suitability vary between patients. Teeth whitening is elective, has potential side effects and cannot guarantee a particular shade or duration of results.
A clinical assessment is required before treatment can be recommended.
