By Dr Kenmo R.
More than 70 % of cavities and gum problems are preventable with rigorous daily hygiene. Here are the 5 habits every adult should adopt — and most forget.
1. Brushing twice a day, 2 minutes
Morning after breakfast (not before) and evening before bed. Soft brush, vertical motion (from gum to tooth), not horizontal. A timer is your friend: 2 minutes is longer than it sounds.
Manual or electric brush?
Sonic electric is about 20 % more effective on average — but a manual used well does the job. The most important factor remains time and technique, not the tool.
2. Floss or interdental brush once a day
Brushing reaches 60 % of tooth surfaces. The other 40 % (between teeth) is only accessible with floss or interdental brushes — that\'s where proximal cavities hide.
« If you had to do only one of the 5 habits, it would be evening floss. It\'s the difference between clean teeth and truly cared-for teeth. »
3. Post-meal rinsing
After an acidic drink (coffee, wine, citrus, soda), rinse the mouth with water for 30 seconds. DO NOT brush within 30 minutes: enamel is temporarily softened, brushing would damage it.
4. Targeted mouthwash
Use on prescription or dental advice — not daily routine (can disturb oral flora). Indicated for gingivitis, post-extraction, or short-term bad breath reduction.
5. Scaling 1-2 times a year
Even with perfect hygiene, tartar forms — it does not come off with brushing. Scaling every 6 to 12 months keeps gum health and prevents periodontitis (number 1 cause of tooth loss after 50).
The trap to avoid
Brushing very hard is not brushing better. Excessive pressure damages enamel and recedes gums, exposing roots (sensitivity, root caries). If your brush is less than 3 months old and bristles are already splayed, you brush too hard.