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Oral Health Tips (Preventative Dentistry)

Prevention is the best cure, and our Oral Health Tips category is packed with easy-to-follow advice to keep your smile shining. From proper brushing and flossing techniques to diet choices that strengthen your teeth, these preventative dentistry articles help Wellington readers maintain excellent oral health. Our tips come straight from the City Dentists team in Wellington, covering topics like avoiding cavities, fighting gum disease, and the importance of regular dental check-ups.

Each post is written in a friendly tone, making it simple to adopt healthier habits for you and your family. Explore this category to learn how small everyday changes can lead to big benefits for your teeth and gums, ensuring a lifetime of healthy smiles. With local insights and practical guidance, you’ll feel empowered to take charge of your dental health.

Should mouthwash complement your brushing routine?

Settling the debate on whether to use mouthrinse

Let’s explore some of the claims regarding why mouthwash ought to be avoided, the arguments that advocate for its use and our take on whether rinsing with mouthwash should continue being a part of your oral care routine.

Separating fact from fiction about fluoride.

4 fluoride falsehoods to know about

Found in everything from water to mouthrinse to toothpaste, fluoride is a mineral that is proven to be effective in warding off tooth decay. However, you may have seen articles or products that seem to suggest fluoride is dangerous or something that you should avoid. It’s time to get to the bottom of this issue …

What causes bad breath to smell as bad as it does?

The causes of halitosis

While it may be amusing to poke fun at a friend whose breath stinks on occasion, chronic bad breath — halitosis, which is its official name — is a serious issue and one that afflicts millions of people around the world. It may not be life-threatening but it can affect people’s self-confidence and comfort when out in public. Here, we’ll discuss the root causes of halitosis and how you can go about treating it if it afflicts you or a loved one.

Kiwis and strawberries are delicious and help to neutralise the odours that cause bad breath.

5 of the best foods for your teeth

In no particular order, here are a few of the best foods for your teeth and what makes them so beneficial. You may notice that they carry some common characteristics

Garlic is great for you, but not for your breath.

5 foods that contribute to bad breath

It’s helpful to know which foods contribute to bad breath (or halitosis, its technical term) so you can steer clear of them during meals to avoid offending your friends, co-workers and acquaintances.

Understanding the causes and  signs of oral cancer can reduce your risk.

What you need to know about oral cancer

It’s important to be mindful of the symptoms and causes of oral cancer so you can receive the appropriate treatment when or if you need it. 

You know caramel isn't good for your teeth, but there are several others.

4 of the worst foods for your teeth

It’s not just your brain and your muscles that require regular nutrition — your teeth do, too. From the calcium that’s found in milk to the phosphate in cheese, foods contain a wide variety of vitamins and minerals that your mouth and your teeth need to maintain their strength and overall functionality.

Healthy gums should appear pink to a very light red.

What unusually red gums may mean

The reason could be any number of things. We’ll go over a few of them here. There may be a quick fix, but in other more serious cases, you may need to reach out to your dentist to determine a proper solution.

Mouth guards make sense to wear regardless of the sports your kids play.

3 sports that can be tough on teeth

In no particular order, here are the sports that can be harmful to your kids’ teeth. You may be surprised by some of the ones listed !!

The foods you choose can contribute to or counter the effects of bad breath.

5 quick fixes to fighting halitosis

The best way to staunch the stench of bad breath is brushing and flossing consistently, ideally right after meals. However, few people carry oral care kits with them everywhere they go. So what’s the solution to these stinky situations? If you’re one of the 50% of people around the world who suffers from halitosis on a regular basis, here are a few good ways to fight back against bad breath.

A trip to the dentist may not be a smiling occasion for many Kiwis.

Do you have dentist phobia? How to know if you do

For many people, dentist appointments are a major source of anxiety. Dentophobia can take a major toll on a person’s mental health and prevent them from seeking regular oral care.

Oranges, grapefruit and lemons are all healthy, but can be harmful to your teeth due to their high acid content.

5 highly acidic foods and drinks that can harm your teeth

Damage resistant and durable though your teeth may be, they’re not invulnerable to deterioration, which can be expedited by routinely selecting foods and beverages that are highly acidic.

While there is nothing necessarily wrong with eating certain foods and drinks that contain acid occasionally, you may want to be careful about the frequency with which you consume the following things.

Flossing can make brushing more effective than brushing alone.

Dental floss or dental tape: Which should you choose?

Flosses aren’t all built the same. Produced in a variety of flavours (i.e. mint, cinnamon, bubble gum), lengths, thicknesses and consistencies (i.e. waxed, unwaxed, polytetrafluorethylene, etc.), dental floss typically comes in one of two forms: traditional dental floss and dental tape.

Apples are a nutritious and delicious way to keep your breath smelling fresh.

6 foods that fight bad breath

Everyone loves to eat — there are so many delicious foods to enjoy for each of the three meals of the day. But one thing that no one enjoys about it is the smelly breath that frequently comes in the aftermath. When you’re heading out on a date, going out with friends or have an important meeting or interview, halitosis — the technical term for bad breath — can be quite the turn-off.

Your hygienist is equipped to keep your teeth clean. Some of the tools used may cause mild symptoms afterward.

What to expect after a hygienist visit

You saw the dental hygienist … Great. Here are the things you need to know following your visit to a dental hygienist – read to find out:

Here's another reason why you should quit smoking: It reduces your risk of many oral cancers.

What is oropharyngeal cancer?

Attending the dentist regularly goes beyond keeping your teeth as clean as can be. It may also help you detect early signs of cancer.

Many people will be affected by receding gums due to a variety of reasons, but that doesn’t mean you have to deal with the issue.

Causes of gum recession and what you can do about it

Many people will be affected by receding gums due to a variety of reasons, but that doesn’t mean you have to suffer the consequences if you visit a dental specialist who can assist you with the issue.

Getting your kid to the dentist doesn't have to be a hassle.

How to make your child enjoy the dentist

What can you do as a parent to ensure your child has a positive experience at the dentist? Pick up a few tips on how to navigate a first-time dental appointment.

Sticking to the basics is just  one element to peak oral hygiene.

Smart strategies to attaining perfect oral hygiene

We all aim to be as healthy as humanly possible – physically, mentally and emotionally. The following are a few tips that can go a long way toward achieving pearly white perfection:

What dental issues can cause bad breath?

Can dental issues cause bad breath?

If you’re experiencing bad breath and you haven’t eaten a fistful of garlic, you might be wondering what the cause could be. Here are some possibilities.

Can gum disease run in the family?

Can gum disease be hereditary?

Gum disease affects a lot of New Zealanders – so it could impact your child too. Let’s talk about the genetic and environmental factors influencing gum disease.

Let's turn dentist visits into a positive experience.

3 tips to stop being afraid of the dentist

If you’re experiencing dental phobia, you’re not alone but you shouldn’t let it stop you from taking care of your teeth. Put your fears behind you with these tips.

Discover what your teeth go through over years of development.

A toothy timeline: What to expect as you age

As we get older, changes happen within the body, along with our teeth. From childhood to senior age, the teeth go through some incredible transformations, including the loss of baby teeth, wisdom teeth and the possibility of dental implants. Discover what else the teeth go through with the help of City Dentists.

We have ideas about what beautiful teeth look like - but are they the same as in other countries?

Teeth ideals we may take for granted

We prioritise straight, white and pure teeth – but are we the only ones? Much of the world share similar ideas about dental beauty standards, however there are countries now and in the past where ideals are different. Let’s take a look at how other parts of the world view teeth.

Do you know what you're putting in your coffee?

Can you satisfy your sweet tooth safely?

Most of us are aware of artificial sweeteners and what they can do as a replacement for sugar. However, with confusing names like aspartame and xylitol, do we actually understand what sweeteners are? Here we have a look at different kinds of sweetener, their uses and any concerns surrounding them.

Do you know what the Simpsons has taught you about teeth?

Dental lessons in Matt Groening’s “The Simpsons”

Many Kiwis have enjoyed Matt Groening’s “The Simpsons” over it’s 30-odd years of air time. Fortunately, the cartoon is rife with hidden bits of wisdom that can pertain to our real lives, including our oral health. Here, we discuss three clips from the The Simpsons and their secret dental lessons.

Your teeth and sleeping have more to do with each other than you might realise.

The link between sleep apnoea and your teeth

If you’re waking up with a dry mouth, a sore jaw and excessive daytime tiredness, you could be suffering from obtrusive sleep apnoea. This condition can have major impacts on your daily quality of life, so it’s best to identify it as soon as possible. Find out how City Dentists help to diagnose sleep apnoea.

Everyone has plaque - so what can we do about it?

Everything you need to know about plaque

We all know roughly why we brush our teeth every day: to prevent tooth decay and buildup of this thing called “plaque”. But what exactly is plaque and how do you know you have it? Here, we address the mysteries around plaque and tartar and explain not only how, but why you should be fighting it.

Do you know how much sugar is in your go-to breakfast?

Just how bad is your favourite breakfast?

Could you be consuming the majority of your recommended daily sugar intake in the first meal of the day? From chocolate puffed rice to fruit-filled muesli, the selection of cereals loaded with added sugar is huge. Take the time to know what you’re eating and protect your teeth by opting out of sugary breakfasts.

Dried fruits are one of the biggest culprits of tooth decay.

Foods and drinks you didn’t know were damaging your teeth

We are aware of how sugary foods and staining drinks can negatively impact our teeth. But there are also a surprising range of other foods that are also capable of causing damage. Discover three of the unexpected culprits and how you can prevent against damage.

Are you looking after your oral piercing?

Are oral piercings bad for your teeth?

Oral piercings are a popular form of self expression. However, they don’t come without their issues. Here are three of the most common conditions associated with oral piercings and how you can prevent complications from arising.

Do you have a sweet tooth?

Top 3 ways to cut down on sugar in 2018

Do you have a sweet tooth? Although sugary snacks are often delicious, they’re one of the biggest causes of tooth decay. If you’re ready to curb your cravings, follow City Dentists’ three handy tips to help you keep tooth decay and other dental issues at bay.

How can the common cold affect your teeth?

How can being ill affect your teeth?

No one likes being ill and with an array of symptoms to deal with, it can be tricky looking after yourself during this tough time. However, some common conditions can actually cause issues to the teeth. Here are three illnesses that may damage the teeth and how to reduce this risk.

Discover how to care for your teeth this Christmas.

5 ways to look after your oral health this Christmas

Christmas is a time spent with friends and family, and also the season where diets tend to take a back seat to make way for sugary treats. Instead of giving up on the mince pies and candy canes, learn how to look after your oral health while still having fun!

Find out how to care for your toothbrush today.

Give your toothbrush the TLC it deserves

Your toothbrush is one of the most important tools used to clean teeth. However, it can also harbour unwanted bacteria if it’s not looked after properly and it can also increase the risk of infection. Therefore, it’s vital that you keep it clean at all times. Find out how with City Dentists.

Are you affected by a tongue problem?

Types of tongue problems to look out for

There are a few tongue problems you’ll want to keep an eye out for. If left untreated, they can cause an array of issues to your oral health.

Is your morning cup of coffee damaging your teeth?

How to take care of your teeth at work

Do you think about looking after your teeth when you’re at work? Find out which dental health pitfalls you could be stumbling into at work.

Dental visits can help you fight decay!

What happens if you avoid the dentist?

Are you one of those people who don’t go to the dentist regularly? You might want to rethink that when you find out what could happen!

Is your breath minty fresh?

5 ways to get rid of bad breath

Is bad breath a problem for you? It won’t be after reading these five tips on how to get rid of it! We’ll help your breath smell minty fresh.

How good is your dental knowledge?

6 dental terms you need to know

Think you’re a tooth expert? Test your dental health knowledge by seeing how many of these essential dental terms you know!

Toothache? Pop in to see the dentist!

4 signs you need to see the dentist

Don’t wait until it is too late. Pay close attention to your oral health and make sure you visit a dentist if you experience any of these symptoms.

Have you heard these crazy facts before?

5 crazy tooth facts

Who said oral health can’t be fun? On the blog today we have some crazy tooth facts that will give you a fresh look at dental health!

Be careful what you eat and drink after getting a filling.

Dental fillings: Aftercare and recovery

After getting a filling, you may need to take a little extra care of your mouth. Check out these guidelines for filling aftercare and recovery.

An innocent kiss or an exchange of bacteria?

Can kissing someone give you gum disease?

A kiss can seem like an innocent, romantic gesture but can it put you at risk of dental problems? We take a look at whether kissing can give you gingivitis.

Can you get a whiter smile at home?

Do DIY teeth whitening methods really work?

Getting a brighter smile by using things you probably have in your cupboard sounds too good to be true. We look at whether DIY whitening methods work.

5 of the most dangerous sports for teeth

Sports are usually seen as good for your health – but as dentists we see them a little differently. Check out five of the riskiest sports for your teeth.

Is there an age limit on teeth?

Are false teeth inevitable as we age? How long are our teeth meant to last? Read on to find out more about the life span of teeth.

Is chipping a tooth really a big deal?

If you chip your tooth and it doesn’t hurt, is it really a big deal? Find out why it’s important to visit the dentist when you chip a tooth.

What drinking is really doing to your teeth

You don’t need to be told alcohol is bad for your health, but did you know it’s bad for your teeth? Find out how alcohol affects your oral health.

4 foods that are good for your teeth

You know which foods are bad for your teeth, but what can you eat to keep your teeth healthy? Find out which four foods are good for your teeth and gums.

Getting top dollar from the tooth fairy

Time to make the tooth fairy pay up! Here’s how you can get a winning smile and earn the big bucks! Having a perfect smile is worth quite a bit these days.

Protecting your teeth from holiday sweets

You need your teeth to look good for all the family photos you’re going to be in this holiday season. This means you have to be smart about eating treats.

Let’s get flossy: Floss myths debunked

Be honest – how diligent are you at flossing? Dentists used to tell us that we needed to floss every day, but is that still true? We’ll tell you here!

Weird things that can ruin your teeth

Are you guilty of putting any of these foreign objects in your mouth? Be careful! They might be wearing down your precious tooth enamel. Check it out.

Say it with us: Teeth are not tools

We think it should be everyone’s new motto: Teeth are not tools. But, in case it isn’t and you’ve already chipped a tooth, here’s what you need to do.

Ever had a dream about your teeth? Here's what it means!

Dreaming about teeth? Here’s what it means

Dreaming about a crooked smile? Your teeth nightmares are trying to tell you something! We’ll give you some tooth dream 101 in this post – check it out!

Why would you choose a sports drink over water?

Hidden dental dangers: Sugary sports drinks

There are plenty of products that we know are bad for our teeth, but what about the ones that seem to be healthy? Let’s take a look at sports drinks.

Are your teeth causing you problems?

3 common causes of toothache

Many people will suffer from a toothache at one time or another. This can be caused by a number of different issues, and in this blog we’ll discuss three.

Are you taking the best care of your teeth?

Why do I need to see a dental hygienist?

Even if you feel like your teeth are perfectly clean, a trip to the dental hygienist is a great way to give you the tools to keep them that way.

What should you know about gingivitis?

What do you need to know about gingivitis?

Gingivitis is the most common form of gum disease. Find out what the risks of the ailment are, how it is caused and what you can do to prevent it.

Oral Health and Diabetes

There is evidence of a relationship between diabetes and gum disease. Gum infections can make your blood glucose levels harder to manage.

tooth decay

Tooth Decay … Cavities!

Did you know that tooth decay is one of the most common of all diseases. Tooth decay or dental caries, is an infectious disease … read more!

What is Fluoride?

Fluoride is a natural mineral that is found in water. The amount of fluoride in the water varies from area to area.