Bubbas
Find information on how to take care of bubba's mouth in the poster, brochure, and fact sheet.
It is important to brush bubba's teeth every morning and night, as soon as the first tooth appears. Make sure all surfaces are cleaned well. Use a toothbrush that has a small head and soft bristles and use only a tiny bit of fluoride toothpaste.
First tooth means first check-up. Book a dental appointment as soon as you see a tooth appear. As well as checking bubba's teeth and mouth, this visit allows you to ask questions and get professional advice.
Regular checks of bubba's mouth are important. Lift bubba’s lips and have them open wide. Look for any white, brown, or black marks on the teeth. These could be a sign of tooth decay. If there are marks, they can progress quickly, book a dental appointment as soon as possible.
Fresh foods are best. Try yoghurt, cheese or cutting up fruits and vegetables, like carrots, or apples. Avoid sticky and sweet food. These take longer to wash off the teeth and can increase bubba’s risk of tooth decay. Only put water and milk in bubba’s bottle.
Learning to walk and run can lead to bumps and falls. If bubba's tooth is knocked out, do NOT put the tooth back inside the mouth. Make a dental appointment immediately.
Teenagers
A healthy smile is important and can boost your confidence. By 12 years of age, you should have all your adult teeth. You need to keep these teeth for the rest of your life. Here are tips to keep your smile strong and deadly:
- Do not rush the brush. Use a soft toothbrush with fluoride toothpaste for 2 minutes.
- Brush every morning and especially at night. This will keep the teeth strong and bright and your breath fresh.
- Tap water is the best option to drink for the teeth and body. Fizzy drinks, juice and slushies can be loaded with sugar that cause teeth to rot.
There is no shame in going to the dental clinic. Dentists are there to help and will not make judgements. Book a dental appointment every year for a check-up. Go earlier if you have a problem before it is big and painful.
Find out more information in the poster, brochure, and fact sheet.
Pregnant women
Pregnancy is very exciting, and your oral health has never been more important now that you are brushing for two. While it is important to keep a deadly and strong smile in general, pregnant mothers are at greater risk of gum disease or tooth decay.
It is safe to visit the dental clinic. It is important that you always tell your dentist if you are pregnant, even if you have not told anyone else. This is for you and your baby to get safe care. Your dentist can not tell this information to anyone else.
It is recommended for you to have your teeth and gums checked, and cleaned, during pregnancy. Concerns about local anaesthetic and x-rays are common but expert advice tells us they are safe to have when pregnant.
Brush using a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste for 2 minutes every morning and night. Squeeze out paste the size of a pea. Spit out the toothpaste after brushing but do not wash your mouth with water.
Morning sickness during pregnancy can damage teeth. It is important to avoid toothbrushing straight after vomiting. This can damage your teeth more. Wait at least 60 minutes before brushing. Rinse with water or mouthwash and rub some toothpaste over the teeth with your finger while you wait.
Elders
- The connection between mouth and body is strong. Having a deadly smile is more than just looking good. Gum disease has a direct link to diabetes and heart disease. Caring for our teeth and gums helps to keep our body healthy.
- When you have your annual health check, it is important to book into the dental clinic too. Have your teeth and gums checked every year. See the dentist earlier if you have:
- Pain
- Loose teeth
- Holes in teeth
- Bleeding gums
- A dry or sticky mouth
- New lumps or bumps
Brush using a toothbrush with soft bristles and a fluoride toothpaste for 2 minutes every morning and night. After brushing, spit the toothpaste out but do not wash your mouth with water.
Tap water is the best drink for healthy teeth. Fluoride in tap water helps to keep the teeth strong. Avoid drinking too many fizzy drinks and juice. These can be loaded with sugar which can lead to tooth decay.
Acknowledgements
The Mob Smiles logo incorporates both the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags. We would like to acknowledge the designer of the Torres Strait Islander flag, the late Mr Bernard Namok.
Permission to use the Torres Strait Islander flag was received from the Torres Strait Island Regional Council.
The graphic design work is by Ms Gaala Watson from Humanize Media and photographs by Ms Meleika Gesa.
All articles are thoroughly researched and reference high-quality studies and information to support the subject matter.
Our experts continually monitor the oral health space. As research and recommendations change or we get reader feedback, we update the information in our articles.