1. Master Your Oral Hygiene Routine
Brushing
- Brush twice daily — morning and before bed
- Use fluoride toothpaste
- Brush for a full 2 minutes — most people only brush for 45 seconds
- Use soft-bristled brush — hard bristles damage enamel and gums
- Replace your toothbrush every 3 months
- Electric toothbrushes remove up to 21% more plaque than manual
Flossing — Non-Negotiable
- Floss at least once daily — preferably before bed
- Brushing alone misses 40% of tooth surfaces
- Food trapped between teeth rots and produces foul-smelling compounds
- If flossing is difficult, use interdental brushes or a water flosser (Waterpik)
Mouthwash
- Use an antibacterial mouthwash (containing chlorhexidine or cetylpyridinium chloride) after brushing
- Swish for 30–60 seconds
- Avoid alcohol-based mouthwashes if you have dry mouth — alcohol dries out tissue
- Mouthwash alone without brushing and flossing does very little
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