Switch Up Your Oral-Care routine this National Oral Health Month


Here are six ‘Did you Know’ facts that will help you rethink your routine and give your oral health the care it deserves:

1.      Harder brushing doesn’t mean cleaner teeth

This is one of the biggest oral-care myths, you don’t need to scrub your teeth with a hard toothbrush to remove plaque. In fact, gentle brushing is the way to go. Curaprox recommends using very little pressure for a comfortable and effective clean.

2.      Your toothbrush needs a regular refresh

Your toothbrush works hard every day, and its bristles don’t stay in perfect condition forever. Over time, mechanical wear causes the bristles to bend, making them less effective at removing plaque. Moist toothbrushes can also accumulate bacteria.

“We don’t need to wait until the bristles start coming off before replacing our toothbrushes; it is recommended that we replace it approximately every three months,” says Richard Meyer, Managing Director of Curaprox South Africa. “Another time to consider replacing your toothbrush is after a cold or an infectious illness, as this simple precaution can help you maintain a fresh and healthy oral-care routine,” Richard adds.

3.      Your toothbrush doesn’t clean every part of your mouth

Here’s a surprising one: Your toothbrush reaches only about 70% of your teeth. That leaves plenty of spaces between your teeth where plaque can hide. That’s why cleaning between your teeth is such an important part of your daily oral-care routine. Curaprox has made this easier with their interdental brushes, that reach spaces between your teeth. They come with ultra-fine bristles, multiple sizes, and a flexible wire making sure to clean in between without any discomfort.

4.      Whitening toothpastes are not always the better solution

That squeaky-clean feeling might be satisfying, but some abrasive whitening toothpastes can be harsh on your enamel when used over time. We believe teeth whitening should work towards restoring your teeth to their original whiteness in the most gentle, natural, healthy way possible. A gentler alternative is Curaprox Be You toothpaste, which has glucose oxidase, a natural enzyme that reacts with the sugar in the mouth. This specific reaction creates a low concentration of hydrogen peroxide in the saliva. It is designed to act as a gentle, natural whitening agent and directly target and reduce bacteria in the oral cavity.

5.      Tooth decay-causing bacteria can be passed from person to person

Cavities aren’t simply about eating too much sugar. The bacteria associated with dental cavities can also be transmitted between people. Parents and caregivers should therefore avoid putting a child’s spoon, pacifier or feeding bottle into their own mouth before giving it to the child. This will help reduce the transfer of cavity-causing bacteria particularly for children with developing milk teeth.

Additionally, another bacteria that can be spread from person to person is periodontitis, which is a bacterial infection primarily caused by poor oral hygiene, that can also be transmitted through kissing.

6.      Your mouth can offer clues about your overall health

Oral health is closely connected to overall health, which is why healthcare professionals often look at the mouth, teeth, gums and tongue when assessing your wellbeing. Changes in your mouth provide clues that something else in your body needs attention. That’s why looking after your oral health isn’t only about your smile but plays an important part in your overall wellbeing.

September may be National Oral Health Month, but your teeth and gums deserve attention every single day. Use these simple tips as a reminder to rethink some of your oral-care habits.

Curaprox is committed to helping you build healthier habits without compromising on comfort. For more information on products and dentistry experts, you can click here.