At 18, life looks pretty different.

Over the years, our routines change. Careers begin, families grow and priorities shift. But some of the smallest habits we develop when we’re young can stay with us well into our 30s, 40s, 50s and beyond.

That includes the way we look after our teeth.

Brushing before bed. Flossing each day. Choosing water more often. Seeing the dentist regularly rather than waiting until something doesn’t feel right.

Do these things often enough and they can simply become part of everyday life.

For Dental Health Week, it’s a timely reminder for young adults across Canberra – and really, all of us – that looking after our teeth and gums over a lifetime doesn’t have to involve a complicated routine. Often, good dental health starts with a few simple habits and the consistency to keep them going.

As Mawson Dental Care, Dr Theresa Mendez says:

“Small daily habits like brushing twice a day, flossing, eating a healthy diet and seeing your dentist regularly can make a big difference.”

Dr Mendez recently spoke with Canberra Daily about why the habits we establish as young adults can play an important role in our oral health for years to come.

So, whether you’re 18, 38 or 58, how many of these five habits are part of your routine?

1. Brush twice a day

You’ve probably heard this advice since you were a child – and there’s a good reason it has stuck around.

Brushing twice a day helps remove plaque that builds up on your teeth. Using fluoride toothpaste also helps protect and strengthen tooth enamel.

The key is consistency. Aim to brush morning and night, taking the time to clean all surfaces of your teeth rather than rushing through it.

It might only take a few minutes, but once brushing becomes part of your morning and evening routine, it’s a habit you barely need to think about.

2. Clean the places your toothbrush can’t reach

Even a good brushing routine can’t reach every surface of every tooth.

The spaces between your teeth are particularly easy to miss, which is why cleaning between them is an important part of looking after your teeth and gums.

Floss and other interdental cleaning products can help remove plaque and food from these areas.

If flossing isn’t currently part of your routine, don’t worry about suddenly becoming perfect at it. Focus on building the habit. Your dentist can also show you different ways to clean between your teeth and recommend an option appropriate for you.

3. Think about what you’re sipping

Most of us know sugary foods can affect our teeth, but what we drink throughout the day matters too.

Soft drinks, sports drinks and energy drinks can contain high levels of sugar and acid. Frequent exposure can increase the risk of tooth decay, while acidic drinks can also contribute to enamel erosion.

That doesn’t mean you can never enjoy your favourite drink again.

Instead, think about what you reach for most often. Choosing water as your regular everyday drink is a simple change that can be kinder to your teeth.

Keep a water bottle on your desk, in the car or in your bag and, before long, reaching for it can become another habit you don’t have to think about.

4. Don’t believe every dental hack in your feed

One thing that has certainly changed since many of us were 18 is where we get our information.

Social media is full of dental tips, whitening products, DIY remedies and before-and-after videos. Some information can be helpful, but not every viral dental trend is supported by evidence.

Products can also be used incorrectly or may simply not be appropriate for your individual teeth and gums.

Before trying a DIY whitening method, unfamiliar dental product or the latest TikTok hack, talk to a dental professional.

When it comes to your teeth, getting advice specific to your smile is more useful than following something designed to get views.

5. Don’t wait for something to hurt

This might be one of the most important habits to carry through life.

When your teeth feel fine, it’s very easy to think there’s no reason to visit the dentist.

However, some changes affecting the teeth and gums can develop gradually without causing obvious discomfort in their early stages.

Regular dental examinations give your dentist an opportunity to monitor your oral health, identify changes and talk with you about anything that may need attention.

This is an important part of preventative dentistry – focusing on maintaining healthy teeth and gums and identifying potential concerns before they become more complex.

There isn’t one check-up schedule that suits everyone. How frequently you should visit your dentist depends on factors such as your individual oral health, dental history and risk factors.

Your dentist can recommend a schedule appropriate for you.

Preventative dentistry starts with what you do every day

When people think about dentistry, it’s easy to focus on what happens in the dental chair.

But much of preventative dentistry in Canberra starts well before you walk through the doors of a dental practice.

It happens in your bathroom when you brush before bed.

It’s choosing to floss even when you’re tired.

It’s reaching for water during the day.

And it’s keeping up with your dental visits even when nothing feels wrong.

A dentist can help monitor your oral health, provide professional cleaning where appropriate and offer advice, but what you do between appointments matters too.

Good habits don’t have an age limit

Young adulthood can be an important time for establishing healthy routines because it’s often when we begin making more of our own decisions about our health, diet and lifestyle.

But here’s the other important part of the story:

You don’t have to be 18 to start a good habit.

You can improve your routine at 28, 38, 48 or 58.

A few minutes brushing. Cleaning between your teeth. Choosing water more often. Thinking twice about questionable advice online. Keeping up with dental visits.

Individually, they can feel like very small things.

But repeat them day after day and year after year, and those little choices become the way you look after your smile.

This Dental Health Week, take a moment to think about your own routine.

Which good habits have followed you through life – and which ones could you start today?

Looking after your dental health in Canberra?

If it has been a while since your last dental visit, a check-up is an opportunity to see how your teeth and gums are going and discuss any questions or concerns you may have.

At Mawson Dental Care, our team provides preventative and general dental care for patients from Mawson and across Canberra, with a focus on thorough, personalised care in a welcoming and comfortable environment.

To arrange your next appointment, book online here or call our team on (02) 6290 0055.