3 minute read 

Dental care can sometimes feel like a balancing act, especially when the costs add up. But here’s the good news: most major dental issues (such as damaged or missing teeth) —and even some cosmetic ones (like discolouration) —are completely preventable. With some mindful habits and ongoing preventive care, you can keep a healthier smile, avoid discomfort, and save money in the long run.

Let’s dive into the 8 steps to protect your smile and budget! If you’re due for a check-up, call our friendly team today for preventive dental care in Mt Lawley.

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1. Brush twice daily for two minutes

The foundation of good dental health is brushing twice a day—ideally once in the morning and before bed. Proper brushing removes plaque, prevents decay, and helps avoid the need for costly treatments like fillings and root canals. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush (or an electric one if you prefer), fluoride toothpaste, and aim to brush all three surfaces of each tooth (front, back, and chewing surface) for two minutes. It’s a simple step, but one that can reduce plaque and gum disease considerably.

Dr Alex Stockley of Mount Lawley Dental explains “Some people find an electric toothbrush easier to use, especially if they have limited dexterity or mobility,” she says. “Whether you prefer a manual toothbrush or electric toothbrush, look for a brush head with soft bristles to avoid scratching the enamel, use a fluoride toothpaste for extra protection against plaque, and remember to replace your brush head every 3 months, or earlier if you’ve been sick or the bristles become frayed.”

2. Floss daily

Did you know that brushing alone, only cleans about 60% of your tooth surfaces? It’s important to floss at least once a day to remove food and plaque from the areas in between the teeth where your toothbrush can’t reach. Brushing alone increases your risk of decay, gum disease and other problems like bad breath, receding gums and tooth loss.

Flossing should also take around two minutes, cleaning around the sides of every tooth right up to the gum line. If you find traditional floss uncomfortable, your dentist can recommend alternatives that you might find easier to use. These could include floss picks, interdental brushes or electric water flossers.

3. Brush your tongue

Did you know that the tongue can harbor bacteria that contribute to bad breath and plaque buildup? Many toothbrushes come with a built-in tongue cleaner, or you can buy a specialized tongue scraper. Brushing or gently scraping your tongue from back to front every day is a quick and effective way to maintain fresher breath and a cleaner mouth.

4. Use antibacterial mouthwash (if your dentist recommends it)

If your dentist suggests mouthwash, it’s to help reduce bacteria and improve oral hygiene—but it’s not a replacement for brushing and flossing. Mouthwash can help lower bacteria levels, freshen breath, and reduce plaque. However, not everyone needs mouthwash, so ask your dentist whether it’s right for you. Like toothpaste, you should avoid swallowing mouthwash and spit it out after use.

If you’re not sure whether you could benefit from adding a mouthwash to your daily oral hygiene routine, contact our dentists to schedule a check-up in Mt Lawley.

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5. Drink fluoridated tap water for extra protection

Water is the best drink for your teeth, helping to keep your mouth hydrated, rinse away bacteria and leftover food, and neutralise acids. With the exception of calcium-rich milk, most other drinks contain sugars and acids that wear down enamel or pigments that can stain teeth, which may need a treatment such as teeth whitening to remove.

Water that has fluoride added, such as tap water in most parts of Australia, gives extra protection for your teeth against plaque. Research from the Australian Dental Association shows that fluoridated tap water can reduce tooth decay by up to 26% in children and adults alike.

Dr Alex Stockley explains “Fluoride keeps tooth enamel strong and makes it more resistant to bacteria causing plaque,” she says. “Fluoride remineralises weakened enamel helping to form a harder protective surface,” she notes.

6. Limit sugary and starchy foods

Sugar is a major contributor to tooth decay. Bacteria in your mouth convert sugars into acids that erode enamel over time, leading to cavities. Foods high in starch or acid (such as soft drinks, potato chips and citrus juices) can also contribute to enamel wear. By limiting these foods in your diet, using a straw for acidic beverages, and rinsing with water afterward, you’re actively reducing your risk of decay.

Dr Stockley says “reducing sugar intake is one of the most effective ways to prevent tooth decay,” she says. “Combined with twice-daily brushing and flossing, it’s the simplest way to avoid unexpected dental costs.”

7. Don’t use your teeth as tools

Whether it’s popping off bottle caps, cracking nuts or tearing through plastic packaging, opening things with your teeth puts them under stress and can lead to serious damage such as chips or cracks. Only using your teeth for their intended purposes can help your smile last longer and avoid the need for restorative dental work like dental crowns or veneers.

8. Keep up with your regular dental check-up & cleans

However well you take care of your teeth at home, it’s important to see a dentist every 6 to 12 months for a comprehensive check-up, so they can catch problems early before they become more serious and more expensive to treat. These visits are also a chance to have your teeth professionally cleaned to remove built-up plaque and calculus, and to discuss any other concerns and treatment options with your dentist.

If you find traditional scale and cleans uncomfortable, ask our team about EMS Airflow®. Using air, warm water and fine powder, it’s a gentler way to professionally clean teeth and can be especially useful for those with sensitive teeth and gums or those with dental anxiety.

How often you should see the dentist depends on the condition of your oral health and your individual risk factors. Delaying your regular check-ups could risk letting a minor problem grow steadily worse.

Affordable dental care in Mt Lawley

We understand that cost is a concern for many of our patients, and we’re here to help make dental care more accessible. If you’re due for a check up and clean, contact our dentists in Mount Lawley today on (08) 9227 8777 or book online. If you’re visiting us for the first time, our new patient offer is designed to make dental care more affordable. We welcome patients from all nearby areas, including Highgate, Inglewood and North Perth suburbs.

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