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Studies have shown that young adults, aged between 18 and 24 years, in
Australia have a higher rate of tooth decay compared with children aged
12 years old.
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Fluoride treatment is most easily applied daily through brushing with
fluoride toothpaste and drinking fluoridated water.
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Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste reduces the risk of tooth
decay more than brushing once per day.
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The
most important time to apply fluoride is before bed, as the flow of
saliva (which protects teeth against decay) is lowest while sleeping.
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It is
important to have regular dental check-ups, regardless of whether you
brush your teeth twice a day or if you don’t feel that anything is
wrong. Often, decay does not present symptoms and you may not even know
it is present.
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Don’t
share your toothbrush; bacteria that cause tooth decay can be spread
from person to person.
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Tongue and lip piercings can chip and break teeth. Gums can also be
damaged if a piercing rubs against the gums. It is advisable to monitor
the position of the piercing and never sleep with them in.
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Acidic foods and drinks (such as lemons, sports drinks and vinegars) can
erode tooth enamel.
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Tooth friendly snacks include nuts, unsalted popcorn, cheese, fruits
and vegetables.
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It is
important to drink plenty of water to keep your mouth hydrated.
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Changing hormones, during pregnancy or puberty, can increase the
likelihood of gum problems.
