Did you know 1 in 4 Australians have gum disease?¹ And while you might think you’re cleaning your teeth well, are you doing enough to keep your gums healthy?

Each year, dentists across Australia come together to recognise Dental Health Week, which this year is focused on gum disease.

To celebrate Dental Health Week 2024, we’re sharing some facts about gum disease, including the two most common types: gingivitis and periodontitis.

We’re also sharing some fun activities you can do with your kids to start the conversation about oral hygiene this Dental Health Week, because good oral hygiene habits should start as soon as that first little tooth pops through!

What is gum disease?

There are two types of gum disease: periodontitis and gingivitis.² Gingivitis is the most common type, whereas periodontitis is the more severe condition.

About gingivitis: 

• It is caused by poor oral hygiene where the bacteria is left to collect on the teeth and around the gums
• Gingivitis regularly causes inflamed, bleeding gums when brushing
• It can be treated by improving teeth cleaning at home

About periodontitis:

• It is caused by destructive mouth bacteria.
• It can create pockets around the teeth or cause gum recession
• Periodontitis can also eat away at the bone which holds your teeth in place
• If untreated, periodontitis can cause bleeding and puffy gums, loose teeth and bad breath.

This Dental Health Week, we are focused on promoting the importance of healthy gums. One thing to remember is: healthy gums don’t bleed.

If your gums are bleeding when brushing or flossing, or if you’re experiencing other common signs of gum disease, book in to see your dentist.

How to improve oral hygiene

As adults, we need our teeth to last a lifetime, and maintaining teeth and gum health is the best way to do this. Our teeth and gums are exposed to a lot of bacteria and sugars throughout each day, but there are simple things everyone can do from home to keep your smile sparkling.

Our tips for oral hygiene this Dental Health Week are:³

• Brush your teeth at least twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste.
• Use an electric toothbrush. It doesn’t have to be the most expensive one on the market to do a great job. You can find great electric toothbrushes at your local supermarket.
• Clean between your teeth with floss or other interdental brushes. If you have permanent metal retainers or braces, consider using Super Floss, which can be found at the supermarket.
• Limit sugar intake and eat a balanced diet. We all enjoy some chocolate after dinner or ice cream on a Sunday afternoon, but the more we can limit our sugar intake, the better our tooth health will be.
• Visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and preventative care. We know everyone is busy, but a trip to the dentist is one of the best things you can do for your oral health!

Use this Dental Health Week 2024 as a reminder to book an appointment with your dentist and check your gum health.

Activities for Dental Health Week for toddlers

Dental Health Week is a great opportunity to remind your children how important teeth brushing is. Children’s teeth usually appear around six months old, which is when it’s time to start creating great teeth cleaning habits.

To help keep teeth cleaning fun, here are some activities you can do with your littlest family members this Dental Health Week:

• Cut out a tooth shape on yellow paper and have your kids paint it white using a toothbrush. This can show them why brushing the whole tooth is important.
• Create a tooth brushing song together. There are lots on YouTube you can use as inspiration!
• Cut up an egg carton and turn it upside down. Using some tooth floss, let your child practice threading and moving the floss between the egg carton (like their teeth!)
• Go shopping for a new toothbrush or toothpaste! There are lots of great themed toothbrushes available now, so whether your child likes Frozen, The Wiggles or Spiderman, there will be a toothbrush in the aisle for them to love!
• Practice going to the dentist. We know role play is such an important part of making kids comfortable in medical settings, so maybe set up your recliner and make a dentist room to role play with your kids. Talk about flossing and brushing and how important oral hygiene is.
• Visit our blog for 12 other ways to jazz up the tooth brushing routine.

If you do any of these Dental Health Week activities for toddlers, be sure to tag us on Instagram!

Disclaimer. All information is general and is not intended to be a substitute for professional dental advice. Clinicians practicing from a 1300SMILES clinic can consult with you regarding your individual health needs. 

References

1. Teeth.org.au, Dental Health Week, https://www.teeth.org.au/dental-health-week, 1 August 2024.
2. Healthdirect.gov.au, ​​https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/gum-disease, 6 August 2024.
3. Teeth.org.au, Dental Health Week,  https://www.teeth.org.au/dental-health-week, 6 August 2024.