When it comes to dental health it is the daily habits that make or break the health and longevity of our teeth and gums. It is great we have flattened the Covid curve, but let’s not flatten the flossing. Flossing is an easy habit to dismiss, however it is just as important as brushing to remove the plaque from in between your teeth daily.

Plaque is acidic by nature and damages tooth enamel. It is also inflammatory by nature and causes your gums to bleed. Gentle daily flossing once per day will reduce the damaging effects of plaque. Think outside of the box; you only need to floss once every 24 hours, so it can even be after lunch... it doesn’t need to be before bed time.

Tooth brushing. No doubt we all brush our teeth twice daily to experience that minty freshness and it’s an ingrained part of self-care. However incorrect tooth brushing techniques can damage your teeth and gums. When selecting a tooth brush always opt for soft bristles, as hard bristles can wear away your gums, leading to tooth sensitivity. A good quality electric brush is a fantastic option, as they have settings to help you brush correctly and can remove more plaque than a manual brush. Choose fluoridated toothpastes to adjunct your tooth brushing, as fluoride strengthens your tooth enamel and reduces your decay risk.

Mouth rinses are available as an adjunct to tooth brushing and flossing, and have benefits such as breath freshness, decay prevention and bacterial kill. There is a variety on the market; speak to your dental provider about which is the best one for you. When choosing a mouth rinse it is recommended to choose an alcohol-free option, and remember to brush and floss thoroughly prior to using a mouth rinse for best results.