10 Dentist-Approved Tips for Rock-Solid Teeth (That You Can Do at Home)
Great oral health boils down to two things: Consistency and the Right Technique.
Heaps of people brush every day but still end up with cavities. Why? Usually, it’s because we miss the little details. So, we’ve put together 10 tips straight from the pros—stuff you might not have known before—to help you up your dental game.
1. Stick to the "2-2-2" Rule
This is the gold standard most clinics recommend:
-
Brush at least 2 times a day.
-
Brush for at least 2 minutes each time.
-
Hold off on food and drink for 2 hours after brushing. This lets the fluoride properly coat your teeth without being washed away straight away.
2. Give "Dry Brushing" a Go
Try switching to dry brushing. That means no rinsing with water before or after you brush. Just spit out the excess foam. This keeps the fluoride on your teeth longer, creating a stronger protective shield. It feels a bit weird at first, but it works!
3. Don't Forget the Gaps
Brushing alone isn't enough because bristles can't reach between your teeth—that’s about 40% of your tooth surface! Using dental floss or an interdental brush once a day before bed is the best way to stop cavities in those invisible spots.
4. Check for 1,500 ppm Fluoride
Have a squiz at the side of your toothpaste box. Does it say 1,500 ppm fluoride? Dentists confirm this is the concentration you need to effectively prevent decay and repair enamel in the early stages.
5. Scrub Your Tongue (The Bacteria Trap)
A tongue with a white coating is a prime hangout for bacteria that cause bad breath and gum disease. Use a tongue scraper or your toothbrush to gently sweep from the back to the front every morning.
6. Stop "Sipping" Sweet Drinks All Day
Teeth are at their weakest when exposed to acid. If you’re sipping on sugary soft drinks or coffee little by little all day, you're keeping your mouth in a constant acidic state. It’s better to finish your drink in one go and follow it up with some plain water.
7. The 30-Minute Rule for Acidic Food
If you’ve just had sour fruit, fizzy drinks, or wine, do not brush immediately. The acid softens your enamel, and brushing right away can actually scrub the surface off. Rinse with water and wait 30 minutes for the pH balance in your mouth to settle down first.
8. Drink Heaps of Water
You need good quality saliva to protect your teeth, as it naturally washes away food debris and reduces acidity. Drinking water frequently stops dry mouth and helps your saliva do its job.
9. Spot the Warning Signs Yourself
Check your teeth in the mirror once a week. If you notice bleeding while brushing, sensitivity to cold water, or tiny black spots, these are signs you need to see a dentist immediately. Don't wait until you’re in pain!
10. Chuck Your Toothbrush Every 3 Months
(Or after you’ve been sick). Frayed bristles are useless at removing plaque. Plus, you should always swap your brush after recovering from a cold or the flu to stop those nasty germs from making a comeback.
The Bottom Line
Dental care starts at home, but it finishes at the clinic.
While these 10 tips will make your teeth heaps stronger, popping in for a check-up every 6 months is still non-negotiable. It’s the only way to get rid of the tartar that brushing misses and to catch any issues hiding under your gums.