Press play for our quick guide, then keep these points in mind at the sink tonight.

The DS Dentistry brushing checklist

• Two minutes, twice a day with a soft-bristled brush and a fluoride toothpaste. Set a timer or hum a song; most people stop well short of two minutes.
• Angle the bristles at 45° toward the gumline. That's where plaque collects, and it's the spot most brushes skip.
• Small circles, light pressure. Hard scrubbing doesn't clean better; it wears enamel and irritates gums. If your bristles splay within weeks, you're pressing too hard.
• Tilt the brush vertically for the front teeth and use short up-and-down strokes behind them.
• Don't forget the chewing surfaces and your tongue. Bacteria on the tongue are a common cause of bad breath.
• Replace your brush every three months, or sooner if the bristles look frayed, and after you've been sick.

Electric or manual? Both work well when used properly. An electric brush with a pressure sensor and built-in timer can help if you tend to scrub hard or rush.

Not sure your technique is right? Ask at your next cleaning. We're happy to show you on a model, and we can point out any spots you're missing.

Research presented at the American Stroke Association's International Stroke Conference in February 2025 followed more than 6,000 adults for 25 years as part of the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities study. Compared with people who didn't floss, those who flossed at least once a week had:

• 22% lower risk of ischemic stroke, the most common type, caused by a blocked blood vessel in the brain
• 44% lower risk of cardioembolic stroke, where a clot travels from the heart to the brain
• 12% lower risk of atrial fibrillation, an irregular heartbeat that raises stroke risk

The benefit appeared to be independent of brushing and regular dental visits, and flossing more often was linked to a greater reduction in risk. The researchers think the connection may run through inflammation: gum disease keeps the body in a low-grade inflammatory state, which is a known contributor to heart and blood-vessel problems.

A note of balance

This is an observational study, so it shows an association rather than proof that flossing prevents stroke. Flossing habits were self-reported in a questionnaire and weren't tracked over the 25 years. Still, flossing is inexpensive, takes two minutes, and its benefits for your gums are well established, so there's every reason to make it a daily habit.

Flossing the easy way

• Use about 45 cm of floss, wrap it around your middle fingers, and guide it gently between teeth in a C-shape against each tooth.
• Floss picks, water flossers and interdental brushes all work if regular floss is awkward. The best tool is the one you'll actually use.
• Bleeding gums when you start usually means they need flossing, not that you should stop. If bleeding continues after a week or two, book a checkup.

When you eat sugar, the bacteria in your mouth feed on it and produce acid. That acid softens tooth enamel, and over time repeated acid attacks can lead to cavities. The number of times your teeth are exposed to sugar matters as much as the amount.

Enjoy treats the smart way

• Have sweets with a meal instead of snacking on them throughout the day.
• Rinse with water afterwards to wash away sugar and acid.
• Choose treats that clear the mouth quickly over sticky, chewy candies.
• Chew sugar-free gum after eating to help your mouth make more saliva.
• Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, especially before bed.

Regular checkups let us spot early enamel damage while it's still small and easy to fix.

Researchers have long studied the link between gum health and heart health. Gum disease causes ongoing inflammation, and people with gum disease are more likely to have heart disease. One large study published in 2019, which followed more than 160,000 adults, found that people who brushed their teeth more often had a lower risk of some heart problems.

These studies show a connection, not proof that brushing prevents heart disease. But they're one more good reason to look after your gums.

Protect your gums

• Brush for two minutes, twice a day, along the gumline.
• Clean between your teeth every day with floss or interdental brushes.
• Don't ignore bleeding or puffy gums. They're an early sign of gum disease.
• Keep up with regular checkups and professional cleanings.
• If you smoke, quitting is one of the best things you can do for your gums and your heart.

• Brush twice a day for two minutes with a fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled brush.
• Clean between your teeth once a day. Brushing alone can't reach where cavities often start.
• Make water your go-to drink. Limit pop, juice and sports drinks, especially between meals.
• Replace your toothbrush every three months, or sooner if the bristles are frayed or after an illness.
• See us regularly for checkups and cleanings, so small problems stay small.

Playing sports? A custom-fitted mouthguard is a simple way to protect your smile. Ask us about one for you or your kids.