This article explains how to fix your dental health with better habits.

Start here

• See a dentist to fix broken or infected teeth and get a professional clean.
• Most problems come down to two things: cleaning better and more often, and less sugar and acid.
• Brush twice a day for 2 to 3 minutes with the right brush and toothpaste.
• Good habits only take a few weeks to form.

Cleaning habits

• Keep your toothbrush and toothpaste where you can see them.
• Keep a toothbrush near the kitchen if you do not go back to the bathroom after breakfast.
• Keep a toothbrush and toothpaste at work.
• After eating, feel your teeth with your tongue for food and plaque.
• After brushing, feel for spots you missed and brush them again.

Diet habits

• Have less soft drink, energy drinks, sports drinks, lollies and biscuits.
• Drink plain water. Keep a water bottle at work, in the car and cold in the fridge.
• Use a straw for soft drink and juice.
• Choose sugar-free or xylitol gum and mints.
• Do not snack on sweets all day. Clean your teeth soon after eating them.