Good oral hygiene begins at home, & good habits should start early.

  • Brush at least twice daily for two minutes and floss at least once each day.
  • Use fluoridated toothpaste. Depending on your individual needs, we may professionally recommend special sensitive toothpaste, a moisturising toothpaste, or a high fluoride toothpaste.
  • Each tooth has five surfaces and all need to be cleaned effectively. This includes the inside and outside of a tooth, each side of the tooth and on the biting surface.
  • Healthy gums are the foundations of healthy teeth, so take extra care to brush along the gum line at a 45° angle towards the gum.
  • If using a manual toothbrush, use gentle pressure in a small circular motion, rolling the brush away from the gums.
  • If using an electric toothbrush, place gentle pressure with the brush on individual teeth and roll away from the gum line. The brush will make the circular movements for you.
  • On the top biting surface of teeth, the brush can be moved back and forth. You will find that holding the brush vertically, allows you to reach the inside surfaces of the front teeth better.
  • Spit out excess toothpaste and DO NOT rinse with water afterwards. This will ensure the greatest possible contact time for the Fluoride in the toothpaste to have the greatest effect in strengthening and protecting your teeth.
  • Brush your tongue to eliminate bacteria and help to prevent bad breath.
  • Do not to brush within 30 minutes after acidic food or drink, as this can damage teeth. Alternatively, rinse with water before hand.
  • Using approximately 20 cm of floss, wrap it around your middle finger and use your thumb and index finger to direct the floss. Place the floss between teeth and slide it down the side of the tooth, cupping the tooth to ensure maximum contact. Draw the floss down vertically between the tooth and gum, where the brush cannot reach.
  • Special care needs to be taken for people with braces, bridges, and other dental work. Our dentists or hygienists can demonstrate the correct techniques to clean these areas effectively.
  • Maintain professional cleaning with your hygienist every 6 months to remove hard tartar build up. Prevent minor problems becoming major problems by visiting your dentist regularly.