A proper oral hygiene routine is your first line of defence against tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath. Yet many people rush through their routine or miss important steps. Here's how to do it right.
Start with brushing: Hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to your gums and use short, gentle back-and-forth strokes. Brush the outer surfaces, inner surfaces, and chewing surfaces of all teeth. Don't forget to brush your tongue to remove bacteria and freshen your breath.
Flossing is equally important: Wind about 45cm of floss around your middle fingers, leaving 3-5cm to work with. Gently guide the floss between your teeth using a rubbing motion. Curve it into a C-shape against each tooth and slide it under the gum line.
Consider adding a mouthwash to your routine — an antimicrobial mouthwash helps reduce plaque and gingivitis, while fluoride mouthwash helps prevent tooth decay. However, mouthwash is a supplement to brushing and flossing, not a replacement.
