Teeth brushing/mouth maintenance

[BJacks86]

Around a year ago I had to have two fillings. This really upset me and I hate the dentist so was also generally upsetting.

Following this I upped my brushing to two sets of three minutes a day, flossing once a day (when I remembered, and when it wasn't 2am I was brushing my teeth.)

Since then I've upped to three times a day for three minutes of brushing - plus mouth wash twice a day - in between.

One of my friends said this is excessive. Curious what people who don't ever get fillings do? And if you think this is excessive??

Online I find various recommendations, I really want to continue to have nice teeth/not get dental treatment!

I think that’s excessive. Twice per day with flossing is plenty.

I have a friend who is 35 and has never had a filling in her life. We reckon it’s because she chews sugar free gum after she eats and she can stop at one biscuit

I would think twice a day for 2 to 3 min a time would be sufficient. As someone who had had a lot of trouble with gums, rather than teeth, one of the best things are the interdental brushes, which look like tiny bottle brushes. These get the stuff from between your teeth much better than floss. I have also got a small round brush for nooks and crannies.
Don't use Corsodyl mouthwash because it stains your teeth, so my hygienist tells me.

Also - only drink water and not squash or sugary drinks!
Don’t rinse after brushing (leave the toothpaste on to strengthen your teeth)
Use an electric toothbrush
Use a good toothpaste that hardens enamel

Okay, thanks! I've been brushing my teeth - in the morning, when I get home from work, and before bed. Along with mouthwash after lunch and dinner... I actually use the kids listerine!

Curious is anyone has ever used a water pick/flosser?

Additionally I drink everything except wine through a (metal) straw because I'm worried about staining.

I occasionally suffer from depression and go weeks without brushing, or skip a day here and there. No fillings! A lot of it’s about genetics and what you eat.

I believe the trick is to not rinse the toothpaste off after brushing.

I agree it’s more about genetics and what you eat. I brush twice a day, floss rarely (Gross I know but it’s just not routine- need to remember to do it more!) and no fillings ever. I’m 40. I don’t like sweets or fizzy drinks.

Skip the mouthwash and don't rinse the toothpaste.

Dental staff here. Look up a document called 'delivering oral health toolkit' this is the oral health advice document given to dentists to try to improve the oral health of country. Or have a look on www.dentalhealth.org a UK based oral health charity