Adults (18 years and over)

Healthy eating

Healthy eating supports good oral health and overall wellbeing.

• Eat plenty of fruit and vegetables.
• Choose healthy snacks such as cheese and yoghurt.
• Limit foods and drinks high in added sugar, especially between meals.
• A healthy diet can also reduce the risk of overweight and obesity.

Drink water

• Drink water regularly throughout the day to stay hydrated and help prevent dry mouth.
• Avoid sugary drinks such as soft drinks, cordials, sports drinks, energy drinks and juice, as they increase the risk of tooth decay.
• Fluoridated tap water helps protect teeth from tooth decay.​
  

Toothbrushing

• Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
• Use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste.
• Spit out the toothpaste after brushing. Do not rinse with water, as a small amount of fluoride left on the teeth helps protect against tooth decay.
• Older dependent adults may need support with brushing their teeth and caring for dentures.
  

Cleaning between teeth

• Clean between your teeth every day using dental floss or interdental brushes.
• Cleaning between teeth removes plaque and food particles from areas a toothbrush cannot reach.
• Ask your dental practitioner to show you the correct technique.

Denture care

• Clean dentures and partial dentures every day using warm water, plain soap and a soft brush.
• Do not use toothpaste to clean dentures.
• Take care when removing and cleaning dentures.
• See What can I expect when I get my dentures? for more information.
• Visit your dental practitioner if your dentures:
• break or chip
• need adjustment
• cause ongoing discomfort or sores.
  

Dental check-ups

• Visit your dentist regularly, as recommended by your dental practitioner.
• Do not wait until there is a problem. Regular dental check-ups help keep your teeth, gums and mouth healthy.

See your dental practitioner if you notice signs of dental or gum disease, including:

• red, swollen or tender gums
• bleeding when brushing or cleaning between teeth
• gums pulling away from teeth
• loose or separating teeth
• ongoing bad breath
• changes inside your mouth.

Check Dental information for patients to see if you are eligible for free dental care through a NSW Public Dental Service.

Some Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs) provide dental care for their patients. Eligibility and appointment processes may vary. Contact your local ACCHO for more information.

Smoking and vaping

Smoking and vaping affect oral health and can increase the risk of:

• gum disease
• oral cancer
• stained teeth
• bad breath.

• visit iCanQuit
• call the NSW Quitline on 13 78 48 for advice and support.

Drugs and alcohol

Alcohol, prescription medicines and recreational drugs can affect oral health and may cause:

• dry mouth
• bleeding gums
• teeth grinding
• tooth loss
• stained teeth
• bad breath.

These can increase the risk of tooth decay, gum disease and cancer.

For more ​advice and support, visit Your Room.

For adults who need assistance

People who need support with personal care may also need help to maintain good oral health.

Carers can support oral health by:

• encouraging daily mouth care
• assisting with brushing and denture care
• providing healthy food choices
• encouraging regular water intake.

Behaviour changes may be a sign of dental pain or oral health problems. These can include:

• refusing food
• touching the face or mouth
• refusing mouth care.

Arrange a dent​al check-up if you notice thes​e signs.

For people in hospital, maintaining good oral health is especially important. Poor oral health during a hospital stay can lead to pain, mouth infections or lung infections such as pneumonia, and may increase recovery time and length of stay.​​​