Everyday care
A two-minute routine that actually works
Brushing for two minutes, cleaning in between, and what to skip: the short version of daily mouth care.
Joana Bell ·
Most people are told what to do and not how to make it stick. Here is the short version we give our own patients.
Brush for two minutes, twice a day
Use a small-headed brush and a fluoride toothpaste, and spend the time rather than the pressure. Hold the brush at the gum line, make small circles, and do not scrub. A timer helps; so does a favourite song.
Clean between your teeth once a day
This is the step most people skip and the one that changes the most. Interdental brushes in the right size are easier than floss for many people. If yours feel tight or bloody for the first week or two, that usually settles as the gums get healthier.
Spit, do not rinse
After brushing, spit out the foam and leave a little toothpaste behind. Rinsing with water washes the fluoride away.
Less often, not more
If you snack or sip sugary drinks all day, your teeth never get a break. Keep sweet things to mealtimes where you can.
When to call us
Bleeding that continues beyond two weeks, a tooth that hurts when you bite, or a sore that does not heal are all worth a visit.
Demo content from a fictional practice. Not medical advice.