Consistency is key when it comes to dental care. Discover daily tips and habits to keep your teeth strong and your gums healthy.
What is good oral hygiene?
Oral hygiene refers to the practices that keep your mouth, teeth, and gums clean and healthy. It ranges from daily habits at home, like brushing and flossing, as well as regular check-ups. Good dental habits can prevent dental conditions, and also improve your general wellbeing.
Dr Mark Dohlad
Bupa Dental’s Principal Dental Officer, has created these resources to help you stay healthy.
Mark’s top tips
Brush teeth twice a day for at least 2 minutes
Drink water instead of sugary drinks
Agreed signals for your dentist to pause or stop treatment
Visit the dentist regularly for early detection
Eat a balanced diet with more fruits and vegetables
Avoid smoking and vaping to prevent gum disease
Get to know some common dental procedures
Teeth grinding (bruxism)
Bruxism is the third most common form of sleep disorder, behind sleep talking and snoring.
Gum disease (periodontal disease)
Maintaining good oral hygiene at home is crucial for managing periodontal disease.
Sensitive teeth (dentin hypersensitivity)
There are several ways you can help reduce sensitivity from very hot or cold food and drinks.
Dry socket (osteitis)
Some people experience pain after getting a tooth removed at the dentist.
Bad breath (halitosis)
Explore the 8 steps to reducing or preventing bad breath.
Dry mouth (xerostomia)
Dry mouth that is ongoing could be a sign of illness, or not drinking enough water.
Different conditions can affect different ages
Adults
Teenagers
Infants & children
Healthy habits at home for kids
Setting up good habits starts young. Discover resources written by our dental experts on how to get kids excited about good oral health.
Smile bright with Bupa’s four Bs of oral health care
Brush
Teeth, gums, and tongue twice daily for two minutes with a fluoride toothpaste and a soft toothbrush. Replace your toothbrush every three months, or sooner if bristles become worn.
Book
Into regular dental visits for early detection, personalised advice and ongoing dental screenings. Regular visits help prevent small problems from becoming big ones.
Build
A solid dental routine by avoiding sugary drinks and foods, using dental floss daily and avoiding smoking and vaping. Consider a mouthwash for extra protection.
Bupa
Consistency is key to a lasting and impactful dental care routine. By choosing Bupa as your primary practice we can provide continuity of care and be the home base of your dental health journey.
Eligible Bupa Members can enjoy more with Members First Ultimate
Get 100% back
on up to two 6-monthly check-up and cleans every year, claimable outside of yearly limits*
Fillings? No worries
100% back on General Dental fillings up to yearly limits^
Easy access to practice
Available at over 140 Members First Ultimate Dental Practices across Australia†
Book in with a dentist
Find your local Bupa Dental, Clearly Dental or Independent Bupa Dental practice today.
* You can receive 100% back on dental check-up and cleans (select dental items only) once every 6 months at Members First Ultimate Providers. Waiting periods, benefit claiming restrictions, policy and fund rules apply. Excludes orthodontics and in-hospital treatments. Available on all eligible extras products which includes General Dental (excluding FLEXtras and Your Choice Extras 60 where General Dental is not included). If you choose or require any additional dental services, any health insurance benefits will also be subject to your yearly limits. Members First Ultimate Providers are not available in all areas.
^ Select direct restoration and general fillings only. Benefit claiming restrictions, waiting periods, yearly limits, fund and policy rules apply. Available on all Extras products with general dental at Members First Ultimate Providers. Not available in all areas.
† Members First Ultimate Providers are not available in all areas.