5 easy habits that can help you avoid major dental work later on

May 08, 2025

While we’re lucky to live in a time where root canals, extractions, and crowns can fix many teeth-centric issues, they’re not exactly something to look forward to. The good news? Often, a lot of serious dental work can be avoided by adopting a few simple habits. Here are 5 easy habits that can help you stay on top of your oral health.

Brush twice a day

Okay, you’ve probably heard it from every dentist and kids’ show ever, but there’s a reason it’s so often touted - it works! Plaque is the sticky film of bacteria that can cause cavities and gum disease, and brushing twice a day with approved toothpaste can remove it. You may think it doesn’t matter if you skip a brush or two, but skipping a session can give plaque the chance to harden, becoming tartar. Tartar usually requires a professional clean by a dentist to be removed. To counter this, and ensure you always remember to brush, try setting a morning and evening routine for brushing… and make sure you stick to it.

Floss, floss, floss

While brushing is great for cleaning the surfaces of your teeth, flossing reaches the areas the toothbrush can’t. Did you know that by skipping flossing, you are ignoring up to 40% of your tooth surfaces?! The spots between your teeth and under the gumline can hold food and plaque, allowing bacteria to thrive. Flossing once a day helps to keep these tight little spaces clean, reducing the risk of gum disease and cavities between teeth.

Visit your dentist twice a year

A survey conducted by Compare the Market found that 30.8% of Australian adults hadn’t visited a dentist in more than a year, with 9.3% of the nation saying they hadn’t been in more than five years! Skipping regular checkups can lead to smaller issues going unchecked and escalating. By the time you feel a toothache, the issue may have advanced. By attending regular dental checkups, you allow your dentist to spot problems earlier, which can then be easier (and cheaper!) to solve.

Be choosy with your snacks

Not all snacks are created equal when it comes to dental care. Free sugars are a big factor in the development of dental cavities, and many common snacks are packed full of these free sugars, including a number of cakes, biscuits, confectionery, syrups, and preserves. As such, the World Health Organization recommends limiting free sugars to less than 10% of an individual’s total energy intake. Try to reach for fresh fruits, vegetables, and nuts instead. Your teeth (and dentist!) will thank you.

Consider the mighty mouthguard

Both contact sports and night grinding can cause cracking or wear to the teeth. If you play football, hockey, lacrosse, or engage in boxing, it’s a good idea to get a custom-fitted mouth guard to wear and protect your teeth. Similarly, a mouthguard can be a worthy investment for those who grind their teeth while sleeping. It’s a small price to pay to potentially save yourself thousands in dental work.

Taking care of your teeth doesn’t have to be a mammoth chore. These five habits are simple and can easily be incorporated into a daily routine to lower your chances of major dental work in the future. Prevention is the key to good dental care, so treat your future self well and don’t wait until something is wrong to visit the dentist.

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