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Good oral hygiene is obviously essential for good oral health, but a question we get asked a lot is should I use a daily mouthwash?
No, is the simple answer unless it has been prescribed for a short period, usually 7-14 days by your dentist or hygienist, but daily use of an over the counter (OTC) mouthwash is not necessary and can be damaging to your health. The only exception to this is that using a regular fluoride mouthwash when wearing fixed braces if advised by an orthodontist may be beneficial but only for the duration that the braces are on your teeth.
It is very important to remove the plaque from every surface of your teeth every day, the best way to do this is mechanical removal. This means using a toothbrush, electric or manual, an interdental brush or floss. Just rinsing with a mouthwash does not remove all the plaque, despite the claims manufacturers will make. Using a daily OTC mouthwash may result in too much reliance on the mouthwash to do the job a toothbrush or interdental brush should be doing.
This is a bit more complicated but here is a bit of background. In order to keep your blood vessels flexible, you need a substance called Nitric Oxide. This is made by the body in two ways, the first is by the lining of your blood vessels, but as you age this process becomes less efficient, you lose the ability to make Nitric Oxide by 10% each decade over 40. The other pathway by which Nitric Oxide is produced is through your salivary glands in conjunction with the good bacteria in your mouth. If you use a daily OTC mouthwash that gets rid of 99.99% of the bacteria in your mouth, not only are you getting rid of the bad bacteria but also the good ones too. Your mouth needs a healthy microbiome to function correctly. Luckily, the oral microbiome will re-establish itself within 4-5 days of stopping using an OTC mouthwash.
If your blood vessels become less flexible, your heart has to work harder and your blood pressure can increase. If you have high blood pressure and you are using a daily OTC mouthwash that was not prescribed by a dentist or hygienist, you might want to consider stop using it, your heart will thank you.
🪥 Smile hack: timing your tooth brushing
Did you know that brushing your teeth straight after eating isn’t always the best idea?
In this quick video, Maggie explains why it’s better to wait a little while before brushing. After eating, especially acidic foods and drinks, the enamel on your teeth can be temporarily softened. Brushing too soon can actually cause more wear.
Waiting around 30 minutes gives your saliva time to neutralise the acids and protect your teeth.
Watch Maggie’s smile hack to learn the simple change that can help keep your teeth healthier.
#SmileHack #DentalTips #OralHealth #HealthySmile #Portishead
What exactly is a dental crown?
In this video, Carol explains how crowns help restore and protect teeth that have been weakened by cracks, root canal treatment or large fillings.
A crown acts like a protective cap, binding the tooth together and giving it the strength it needs for everyday biting and chewing.
Watch the video to learn when a crown may be recommended and how it helps protect your smile.
#DentalCrowns #OralHealth #HealthySmile #PortisheadDentist
Did you know that chewing sugar free gum after eating can actually help protect your teeth? 🍬➡️🦷
In this video, Carol explains why dentists often recommend sugar free gum after meals. Chewing gum stimulates saliva, which helps wash away food particles and neutralise acids that can lead to tooth decay.
It’s not a replacement for brushing, but it can be a helpful extra habit when you’re out and about and can’t brush your teeth straight away.
#OralHealth #DentalTips #HealthySmile #Portishead
We’re delighted to welcome Flora, our new dental therapist, to the team at Evolve.
Flora works closely with our dentists to help patients maintain healthy smiles. Her role includes supporting gum health, providing preventative care and helping patients keep their teeth and gums in the best possible condition.
She’s passionate about helping people feel comfortable and confident about their oral health, and we’re really pleased to have her join the practice.
If you see Flora during your next visit, please do say hello and give her a warm Evolve welcome.
#MeetTheTeam #DentalTherapist #HealthySmiles #Portishead
How often should you really brush and floss? 🪥✨
Carol breaks it down in this short video, giving clear, practical advice to keep your teeth and gums healthy — and your smile confident.
It’s simple: the right routine makes all the difference. Start small, stay consistent, and your mouth will thank you!
💡 Tip: Even a few minutes more each day can make a big impact on long-term dental health.
#Portishead #DentalCare #OralHealth #BrushingTips #FlossingTips #HealthySmiles #FamilyDentist #EvolveDentistry #NorthSomerset
🦷 5 daily habits that can transform your oral hygiene
Great oral health isn’t built in a day — it’s the result of small, consistent habits. From brushing effectively to cleaning between your teeth, the things you do every day really matter.
We’ve just shared a new blog with 5 simple dental hygiene tips to help protect your teeth and gums and support long-term oral health.
If you’re looking for dental hygiene tips Portishead, this is a great place to start 👇
👉 Read the full blog - link in bio
#DentalHygiene #OralHealth #PreventiveCare #Portishead #HealthySmiles
