Top tips to maintain good oral health

So what can you do to maintain good oral health? Here are Richelle Terrey's five top tips for good oral hygiene.

BRUSH FOR TWO MINUTES TWICE A DAY

"That doesn't mean counting to 120 really fast in your head. It means brushing for two minutes twice a day. Most people have cellphones, so use that as a timekeeper."

She also advocates electric toothbrushes because they come with a timer. They also brush and pulse at once, doing a lot of the work for you.

"And use a soft bristle toothbrush. Medium and hard brushes are for dentures and are too harsh on your own teeth."

KEEP REGULAR DENTAL APPOINTMENTS

"Prevention is the best cure. It's that simple."

WATCH YOUR DIET

"That doesn't mean diet as in losing weight but good, healthy food. And even things such as medication you're taking can have an impact.

"Some medications leave your mouth very dry and that creates a huge bacteria imbalance. That means rapid decay.

"Use a mouth rinse. Chew sugar-free gum to stimulate the saliva glands or drink more water. Don't have a coffee. That won't give you what you need."

USE FLUORIDE PRODUCTS

"I know this is a hugely emotive topic for some but if you're using fluoride toothpastes keep with them."

"As people get older they sometimes want to go 'natural'."

"I've seen people who have used it for 30 years and then stopped and you see the deterioration happening very quickly."

"You're always going to get controversy with fluoride and I appreciate it's a choice but I'd advocate its use."

FLOSS

"If I could invent a mouth wash that does what floss does then I would be living in the Caribbean."

"Brushing takes care of the outside of your teeth but only flossing gets between your teeth and gets rids of those bacteria."