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We asked 7 dentists their ‘number one rule’ for healthy teeth and there is a common theme
From brushing twice a day to flossing between your teeth and using a fluoride toothpaste, there are loads of rules to keep your mouth healthy – but which is most important?
We asked seven dentists what their ‘number one rule’ is for healthy teeth and most of them mentioned the same thing: a regular brushing and flossing routine.
Dentists’ ‘number one rule’ for healthy teeth
Dentist 1: Brush twice a day
The first dentist, Dr. Steve Mascarin of Taunton Village Dental, told The Focus: “The number one rule for getting and keeping healthy teeth is to brush twice a day!”
He said this routine should include a fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush. You should also brush correctly in circular patterns over and around all your teeth, a simple habit which can greatly improve your oral health.
Dentist 2: Preventative maintenance
Jessica Pharar from Pharar Dentistry agreed: “The #1 rule for healthy teeth is regular preventative maintenance. That means brushing at least twice a day, flossing at least once and seeing your dentist periodically throughout the year.”
Regular check-ups allow dentists to check for dental disease and screen for potential cancer and other systemic diseases. Without this evaluation, small issues can quickly become major issues, she warned.
Dentist 3: Use an electric toothbrush
Dr. Fatima Khan from Riven Oral Care told The Focus: “I would say my number one recommendation would be to tell patients to invest in an electric toothbrush.”
An electric toothbrush with an oscillating head is superior for removing surface staining and plaque, to prevent tooth decay. She recommended one from Sonicare or Oral-B, which both have a solid track record of producing high-quality toothbrushes, backed by years of research.
Dentist 4: Drink lots of water
The next dentist we spoke to, Dr. Brandon Meckelberg from Aspen Dental, said: “Aside from brushing twice a day and flossing once a day, my number one rule for healthy teeth is to drink a ton of water throughout the day.”
This will help to flush your mouth of any food particles and bacteria, and drinking water instead of sugary alternatives can also help prevent cavities and tooth decay.
Dentist 5: Brush and floss
Dr. Tarandeep Sidiura of South Oak Dental added: “As a dentist, the number one rule I tell all my patients for healthy teeth is simple – brush your teeth twice a day and floss at least once daily.”
He said that consistent and proper oral care is the foundation for a lifetime of dental health and a bright smile and added: “No fancy toothpaste, mouthwashes, or toothbrushes can make up for skipping the basics.”
Dentist 6: Use a fluoride toothpaste
Next up, Dr. Shahrooz Yazdani from Yazdani Family Dentistry and Costello Family Dentistry said: “Brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste is my top tip for keeping teeth and gums healthy because it effectively removes plaque, the main cause of tooth decay and gum disease.”
Fluoride strengthens the outer layer of the tooth called the enamel, making it more resistant to acid attacks from plaque bacteria and sugars in the mouth. Brushing regularly with a fluoride toothpaste helps prevent cavities, reduce the risk of gum disease, and keep your breath fresh.
Dentist 7: Floss every day
Finally, Dr. Ilona Casellini from Swiss Quality Smile told The Focus: “The number one rule for healthy teeth is floss everyday!”
She iterated that it is “so, so important” to do this in order to remove debris and bacteria from between teeth. This will reduce inflammation and your risk of developing cavities, while keeping your mouth healthy and fresh.
4-step routine for great oral hygiene
Taking all seven dentists’ advice into consideration, this is what you need to do for great oral hygiene:
- Brush your teeth twice per day with an electric toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste
- Floss between your teeth at least once per day
- Schedule regular check-ups with a dentist
- Drink lots of water and avoid sugary drinks
The NHS says to brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, use floss or an interdental brush every day to remove food, debris and plaque from between the teeth, cut down on sugar and have regular dental check-ups for healthy teeth and gums.
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