Wellness Café

Six habits for a healthier mouth

Nov 23, 2025

A great smile doesn’t mean Hollywood-perfect teeth – it’s actually about keeping your mouth healthy.

Did you know poor oral health isn’t just linked to cavities and bad breath but also serious health conditions? Because gum disease contributes to overall inflammation, it’s linked to issues such as heart disease, diabetes and joint pain.

The good news: most oral health problems are preventable, so follow these tips and keep your smile and your body happy.

Brush twice daily

Use a timer or hum a song so you brush for at least two minutes. Work gently in small, circular motions. Don’t forget your tongue and inner cheeks.

Tip! Dentists recommend not rinsing immediately after brushing. Simply spit out excess toothpaste, then wait 30 minutes before rinsing so the active ingredients can work their magic.

Floss daily

Before bed, gently floss between teeth to remove food and plaque. If your gums bleed, consult your dentist – it may be incorrect technique, or it could be gum disease.

Use the right tools

- Toothbrush: Soft-bristle toothbrushes are best -–hard bristles can scratch the enamel and damage gums. Manual brushes are cheap and effective, while electric ones are great for people with mobility challenges. Replace yours every three months.
- Toothpaste: Flavour is your choice; it’s the active ingredients that matter.
  – Fluoride strengthens enamel to protect against cavities.
  – Xylitol helps prevent cavities.
  – Potassium nitrate reduces sensitivity.
  - Calcium carbonate helps remove plaque and neutralise acid.
- Floss: Options include waxed (glides easily), unwaxed (cheaper and helpful for stuck food particles), tape (good for wide gaps), and super floss (for braces and bridges). Or consider a water flosser for sensitive gums.
- Mouthwash isn’t a must-have, but if you like to use it, choose an alcohol-free one with oral-care ingredients like tea tree and xylitol.

Don’t skip dentist’s visits

Prevention is better – and cheaper – than attempted cure, so see your dentist at least once a year. Not only can they stop cavities and gum disease in their tracks, they can also spot issues like mouth cancers early.

TIP! When you’re done with your annual appointment, book the next one immediately.

Say no to…

- Sugary snacks and drinks: Bacteria thrive on sugar, producing tooth-damaging acids which cause cavities.
- Tobacco: All forms cause bad breath, stain teeth, promote gum disease and tooth decay, and predispose to oral cancers.
- Acids: Fruits like citrus and tomatoes, and fizzy drinks – even sugar-free ones – can damage enamel. Always rinse with plain water after eating or drinking.

Say yes to…

- Crunchy foods like carrots can help clean teeth, while calcium-rich dairy products and leafy greens support bone and dental health.
- Chewing sugar-free gum with xylitol helps by increasing saliva and reducing bacteria.

Reference

South African Dental Association

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