At-a-glance
Oral Hygiene Basics
Good oral hygiene isn't about perfection; it's about a few consistent habits that protect your teeth and gums over time.
We'll walk you through how to tell if it's an emergency and what to do today.
Ideal brushing: 2× per day, 2 minutes each time
Soft brush, gentle pressure, small circles.
Ideal flossing: 1× per day
Night-time is usually easiest to remember.
“The specialist doctor gave me a thorough check and pointd out critical treatment for my chronical gum disease. My gum problem had been around for a couple of years and my previous dental doctor can do”
See what patients felt when we treated this concern.
Many people come to us with oral hygiene basics. Their visits often end with relief and a natural-looking repair.
Read more reviewsWhy this happens
Simple, sustainable brushing, flossing, and diet habits to keep cavities and gum disease away.
Small changes in technique make a big difference
Choose the right brush
Soft-bristled, small head, manual or electric. Avoid hard bristles—they can wear away enamel and irritate gums.
Use a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste
More foam doesn't mean more cleaning. Fluoride helps strengthen enamel against everyday acids.
Angle towards the gumline
Tilt the bristles at about 45° to the gums and use short circular motions instead of scrubbing back and forth.
Cover all surfaces
Outside, inside, and chewing surfaces of each tooth—about 30 seconds per quadrant to reach 2 minutes total.
Wrap, don't saw
Wrap the floss in a C-shape around each tooth and slide gently under the gumline instead of snapping straight down.
One tooth at a time
Floss both sides of the space between teeth—the front of one tooth and the back of the neighbour.
Tools are okay
Floss picks, interdental brushes, or water flossers are all fine if they help you be consistent.
What you sip and snack on matters as much as your toothbrush
Do more of
Plain water between meals and after snacks
Helps rinse away food particles and neutralize acids.
Meals instead of all-day grazing
Gives your mouth time to recover between acid attacks.
Calcium-rich foods like yogurt, cheese, and nuts
Help strengthen enamel and neutralize acids.
Crunchy fruits and veggies (apples, carrots, cucumbers)
Help sweep away soft plaque naturally.
Go easy on
Sugary drinks: sodas, sweetened coffees, energy drinks, boba teas
Feed cavity-causing bacteria and create acid attacks.
Frequent snacking on chips, crackers, and sweets
Keeps your mouth in an acidic state throughout the day.
Constant sipping all day instead of finishing a drink in one sitting
Prolongs acid exposure and prevents saliva from neutralizing.
Very acidic drinks (lemon water, sports drinks) without rinsing
Can erode enamel if consumed frequently without rinsing.
Do more of
Plain water between meals and after snacks
Helps rinse away food particles and neutralize acids.
Meals instead of all-day grazing
Gives your mouth time to recover between acid attacks.
Calcium-rich foods like yogurt, cheese, and nuts
Help strengthen enamel and neutralize acids.
Crunchy fruits and veggies (apples, carrots, cucumbers)
Help sweep away soft plaque naturally.
Go easy on
Sugary drinks: sodas, sweetened coffees, energy drinks, boba teas
Feed cavity-causing bacteria and create acid attacks.
Frequent snacking on chips, crackers, and sweets
Keeps your mouth in an acidic state throughout the day.
Constant sipping all day instead of finishing a drink in one sitting
Prolongs acid exposure and prevents saliva from neutralizing.
Very acidic drinks (lemon water, sports drinks) without rinsing
Can erode enamel if consumed frequently without rinsing.
Extra protection when your mouth needs a little backup
Professional cleanings
Thorough removal of tartar and plaque from areas your brush and floss can't reach. Good for most adults and teens, especially if it's been more than 6 months between visits.
Fluoride treatments
Targeted fluoride painted or placed on the teeth to strengthen enamel. Good for kids, teens, and adults with a higher cavity risk or sensitivity.
Deep cleaning / periodontal therapy
Cleaning below the gumline to treat early gum disease and prevent bone loss. Good for patients with bleeding gums, tartar under the gums, or early bone changes on X-rays.
Personalised coaching
One-on-one help choosing the right tools and routine you'll actually stick with. Good for anyone who feels overwhelmed or guilty about their current habits.
How we understand it
We review your current routine, check for early signs of decay or gum inflammation, then suggest small tweaks and in-office support to keep things on track.
Signs your mouth needs more than a new toothbrush
Everyday sensitivity or bleeding isn't "normal"—it's your mouth asking for help.
Are your gums bleeding or swollen?
If your gums bleed regularly when you brush or floss, even after 1–2 weeks of good home care, it's time to see us. This often signals early gum disease that needs professional treatment.
Keep up the good work! Healthy gums don't bleed with gentle brushing and flossing.
Do you have persistent bad breath?
Odour that doesn't improve with brushing, flossing, or mouthwash can signal bacteria below the gums. We can help identify and treat the cause.
Fresh breath is a good sign your oral hygiene routine is working.
Do you have tooth sensitivity or sharp twinges?
Discomfort with cold, sweet, or brushing can mean early cavities, enamel wear, or gum recession. We'll check and recommend the right treatment.
No sensitivity is a positive sign, but regular checkups help catch issues early.
Do you see build-up you can't brush off?
Yellow or rough deposits near the gumline that stay put—this is tartar and needs a professional cleaning. We can remove it safely.
If you can keep your teeth clean with brushing and flossing, you're on the right track.
What relief looks like
You'll leave with a simple, realistic home routine and a clear schedule for cleanings and fluoride or other preventive care.
- •Deep cleaning to address gum issues
- •Periodontal Maintenance
- •Gum Disease Treatment
When to call sooner: If you have swelling, fever, or trouble sleeping from pain, let us know when you call — we'll prioritize you.
Pro Tip
Think about what's hardest for you—time, flossing, or snacking—and mention it so we can tailor your routine.
Ready for relief?
Same-day appointments often available.
Same-day appointments often available. We handle emergencies gently.
LEARN MORE
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Read articleCommon questions about Oral Hygiene Basics
Is oral hygiene basics serious?
Good oral hygiene isn't about perfection; it's about a few consistent habits that protect your teeth and gums over time.
How do I know if I need treatment?
We review your current routine, check for early signs of decay or gum inflammation, then suggest small tweaks and in-office support to keep things on track.
Can this go away on its own?
You'll leave with a simple, realistic home routine and a clear schedule for cleanings and fluoride or other preventive care.