The Best Ways to Keep Your Teeth

Many of us are keeping our natural teeth longer, according to the Australian Dental Association, thanks to better technology and improved dental hygiene. Boost your chances of remaining denture-free by adopting these three surprising teeth-saving strategies:

1. Floss. Then brush.
Many of us are in the habit of flossing after we brush, if we do it at all. Switching the order of your routine can do wonders for your teeth, says Dr. Alexander McEwen, a dental surgeon at Keep Sydney Smiling. "The best time to floss is at night before you brush, this removes the plaque that has built up during the day and will allow your fluoride toothpaste to work more efficiently."

Fluoride toothpaste prevents tooth decay, studies have shown. And since decay and cavities often form between teeth, it’s important to clear the way for your toothpaste to work. Not to mention that removing debris and plaque from between teeth also helps maintain healthy gums.

2. Know your genes.
Few people realise that genetics ranks up there with smoking and poor oral hygiene as a top risk factor for oral disease. In fact, a genetic marker known as Interlukein-1 puts more than 30 percent of people of European heritage at greater risk for serious gum disease, according to a study in the Journal of Periodontology.

Some periodontists offer a genetic test, done via a saliva sample, to check for the gene. While not recommended for everyone, the test may be useful if you have a family history of gum disease without apparent risk factors, researchers say. If it’s positive, you and your dentist will be aware of the added importance for excellent nutrition and oral hygiene habits.

3. Break away from the grind.
Most Australians will clench and grind their teeth at night at some time in their lives, and many of them don’t realise it, according to the Churchill Dental Clinic in Sydney’s Winston Hills. As well as being detrimental to oral and dental health, this condition (called "bruxism") can lead to headaches, jaw pain and daytime tiredness, according to Snore Australia. Furthermore, grinding can leave teeth fractured or even loose -- and the noise of grinding can disrupt the sleep of others.

Bruxing is thought to be exacerbated by stress, but many people grind or clench without any apparent trigger. At your next dental visit, ask your dentist to check for signs of grinding. (They can often tell just by looking.) Dentists regularly prescribe and custom-fit small mouth appliances called night guards or bite stops. Studies show that regular use of these appliances alleviates symptoms -- and potential tooth damage -- in more than 74 percent of patients.