A good oral hygiene routine is not complicated, but it does need to be consistent. You should brush your teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, floss at least once a day, use an antibacterial mouthwash, visit your dentist twice a year for check-ups, and see a dental hygienist one to two times a year between those appointments. That is the complete schedule — and sticking to it will significantly reduce your risk of decay, gum disease, and more serious oral health problems.
At Pure Smiles in Fulham, we help patients build sustainable oral hygiene habits that protect their teeth year-round, not just in January.
Brush your teeth once in the morning when you wake up and once in the evening before bed. Use fluoride toothpaste and spend at least two minutes brushing, covering all surfaces of every tooth. The NHS recommends a soft-bristled or electric toothbrush for the most effective and gentle cleaning.
Key brushing guidelines:
Flossing removes food debris and plaque from between your teeth where a toothbrush cannot reach. The NHS recommends flossing or using an interdental brush at least once a day. If you find traditional floss difficult to use, interdental brushes or water flossers are effective alternatives.
An antibacterial mouthwash reduces bacterial levels in your mouth, freshens breath, and provides an additional layer of protection against plaque. Choose a mouthwash that is high in fluoride but low in alcohol, as alcohol-based formulas can dry out your mouth and increase sensitivity.
| Daily Task | Frequency | Key Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Brushing | Twice daily (morning and evening) | 2 minutes, fluoride toothpaste, soft bristles |
| Flossing | At least once daily | Interdental brushes are an effective alternative |
| Mouthwash | After brushing | High-fluoride, low-alcohol formula |
Unless you have an ongoing dental issue, visiting your dentist twice a year is sufficient for most adults. During a routine check-up at Pure Smiles, our team will:
Do not wait for pain to prompt a visit. Most dental problems are painless in their early stages, and catching them early means simpler, less invasive treatment.
In addition to your check-ups with the dentist, booking one or two appointments with our dental hygienist provides your teeth and gums with extra protection. Hygienist visits are ideal for:
Schedule hygienist visits between your dental check-ups for year-round coverage.
Your regular schedule is a foundation, not a limit. You should contact your dentist before your next check-up if you experience:
At Pure Smiles, we accommodate urgent appointments for patients who need attention between scheduled visits. It is always better to have a concern assessed early than to wait and risk it worsening.
| When | What to Do |
|---|---|
| Every morning | Brush with fluoride toothpaste (2 minutes) |
| Every evening | Brush, floss, and use mouthwash |
| Every 3 months | Replace toothbrush or brush head |
| Every 6 months | Dental check-up at Pure Smiles |
| Between check-ups | Dental hygienist appointment (1–2 per year) |
| As needed | Book promptly if symptoms develop |
Twice a year for routine check-ups is the standard recommendation for adults with no ongoing dental issues. If you have active gum disease, are undergoing treatment, or have other risk factors, your dentist may recommend more frequent visits.
Yes. Brushing alone only cleans about 60% of tooth surfaces. Flossing or using interdental brushes removes plaque and food debris from between teeth and below the gumline, areas that are the most common sites for decay and gum disease to develop.
A dentist check-up involves a comprehensive examination of your teeth, gums, and mouth, including screening for conditions like oral cancer. A hygienist appointment focuses specifically on professional cleaning, stain removal, and preventative oral hygiene advice. Both are important and complement each other.
Signs of a good routine include gums that do not bleed when brushed, fresh breath, no persistent tooth pain, and positive feedback at your dental check-ups. If you are unsure, ask your dentist or hygienist at Pure Smiles for an honest assessment.
Call us on 020 7736 6276 or visit us at 257 New Kings Road, Fulham, SW6 4RB, or 750a Fulham Road, SW6 5SH. We welcome new patients and are happy to help you establish a dental care schedule that works for you.
