Your Daily Oral Hygiene Routine, Simplified

Brushing: Twice a Day, Two Minutes

• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a fluoride toothpaste.
• Angle the brush towards the gumline and use gentle, short strokes.
• Spend about two minutes, covering the outer, inner and chewing surfaces.
• Brush gently. Pressing hard can wear the enamel and irritate the gums.

If you’ve had something acidic, like coffee, fruit juice or a soft drink, it’s best to wait around 30 minutes before brushing, so you don’t scrub softened enamel.

Cleaning Between Your Teeth

A toothbrush can’t reach the tight spaces between teeth, which is where plaque likes to hide. Once a day, clean between your teeth with floss or interdental brushes. Slide the floss gently up and down the side of each tooth rather than snapping it into the gum. A little bleeding in the first week or two can happen if your gums are inflamed, but it should settle. If it doesn’t, let us know.

The Extras That Help

• Tongue cleaning can help keep your breath fresh.
• Water after meals helps rinse away food and sugars.
• Replace your toothbrush about every three months, or sooner if the bristles are frayed.
• A fluoride mouthwash can be a useful extra for some people, but it doesn’t replace brushing and flossing.

Common Mistakes

• Brushing too hard or with a hard-bristled brush.
• Skipping the evening brush, when your mouth is most vulnerable overnight.
• Rinsing with water straight after brushing, which washes off the fluoride.
• Waiting for pain before booking a check-up.

Why Check-Ups Still Matter

Even with a perfect routine, some plaque hardens into tartar that only a professional clean can remove, and early problems often don’t hurt. Regular visits with Dr Gonzalez and the team let us spot small issues early, when treatment is simpler.