The habits we develop as young adults often stay with us for life.

Whether it’s exercising regularly, eating well or looking after our mental health, the choices made in our late teens and twenties can shape our wellbeing for decades. The same is true for our oral health, yet it’s an area many young Australians overlook.

This Dental Health Week, Mawson Dental Care is encouraging young Canberrans to make their oral health a priority, reminding them that a few simple daily habits can help prevent more serious dental problems in the future.

With many young people beginning to make their own healthcare decisions, now is the ideal time to establish the routines that can protect their teeth and gums for years to come. According to Mawson Dental Care Associate Dentist Dr Theresa Mendez, this stage of life is critical for building the foundations of good oral health.

“This stage in life is when young people start making their own health decisions,” Dr Mendez says.

“Good habits during this time, like brushing twice a day, flossing, eating well and having regular check-ups, often continue for life. Looking after the gums and teeth can prevent problems like tooth decay and gum disease, reducing the need for more complex work in the future.”

As young people become more independent, dental care can easily take a back seat to study, work, travel and busy social lives. It’s common for regular check-ups to be delayed or for brushing and flossing routines to become inconsistent.

While those habits might not seem significant at the time, they can have lasting consequences.

Dr Mendez says one of the biggest mistakes she sees is people waiting until there is a problem before seeking professional care.

“In my opinion, the biggest mistake would be to neglect their health, skip dental check-ups, brushing and flossing, and not have good diet habits,” she says.

“People also tend to seek dental treatment only when the problems become more complex and expensive.”

Many dental conditions, including tooth decay and gum disease, develop gradually and often without pain in their early stages. By the time symptoms become obvious, treatment can be more extensive and costly than if the issue had been detected during a routine examination.

Fortunately, maintaining a healthy smile doesn’t require complicated routines or expensive products.

Dr Mendez says a handful of simple daily habits can make a significant difference over the long term. Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, flossing every day, drinking plenty of water, eating a healthy diet and attending regular dental check-ups all play an important role in protecting teeth and gums.

Diet is another area that deserves attention.

While sugary foods are well known for contributing to tooth decay, many drinks can be just as damaging. Their high sugar and acid content can increase the risk of both tooth decay and enamel erosion.

“Frequent consumption of sugary or acidic drinks, including energy drinks, sports drinks and soft drinks, can increase the risk of tooth decay and enamel erosion,” Dr Mendez says.

Another growing influence on young people’s oral health is social media.

Online platforms can be a useful source of information and help raise awareness about good oral health practices, but they can also promote trends that are not supported by scientific evidence.

“Social media can have a mixed influence,” Dr Mendez says.

“It can help raise awareness about oral health, but it can also promote trends that aren’t evidence-based, such as DIY teeth whitening or using products incorrectly, which can damage teeth and gums.

“It’s important that young people get their oral health advice from trusted dental professionals and focus on habits that are proven to protect their smile.”

Dr Mendez encourages young people to seek advice from qualified dental professionals who can recommend treatments that are safe, effective and appropriate for their individual needs.

Regular check-ups also remain one of the best ways to maintain good oral health and prevent small issues from becoming larger ones.

“For most young adults, a dental check-up can be done every six to 12 months,” Dr Mendez says.

“However, that is based on the person’s specific oral condition and dental risks.”

These appointments give dentists the opportunity to identify problems early, professionally clean teeth and provide personalised advice that helps patients maintain healthy smiles throughout every stage of life.

The message behind this year’s Dental Health Week is ultimately a simple one. Good oral health isn’t built overnight. It’s the result of small decisions made consistently, day after day.

As Dr Mendez says, those daily habits can have lifelong benefits.

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

“Taking care of your teeth now will help you keep a healthy smile for years to come.”

For young Canberrans, there’s no better time to start. A few minutes each day and a regular visit to the dentist could help protect their smile for decades to come.

Dental Health Week is the perfect reminder to put your oral health first. To book a check-up or learn more about preventive dental care, visit mawsondentalcare.com.au or contact the team on (02) 6290 0055.