I used to think keeping your teeth clean just meant brushing them twice a day and not eating too many sweets. That’s it, right? Job done?
Yeah… not quite.
It wasn’t until I found myself googling “NHS dentist Wimbledon” in a panic after waking up with a sore, swollen gum (glamorous, I know) that I realised I might’ve been missing a few steps. Long story short: I hadn’t been doing as great a job as I thought.
Thankfully, I ended up in good hands at SW19 Confidental Dental Clinic Wimbledon — genuinely one of the nicest dental teams I’ve ever met. They didn’t give me the guilt trip I half expected. Instead, they talked me through where I was going wrong, what I could do better, and how to keep things in check without turning into someone who’s scared of snacks.
So, here’s everything I wish someone had told me years ago about keeping your teeth clean. No fluff, no lectures — just real tips that actually work.
It’s not just how often you brush — it’s how you brush
I used to think I was being super thorough by brushing with loads of pressure. I genuinely thought the harder I scrubbed, the cleaner my teeth would be. Turns out, I was doing more harm than good.
Brushing too hard can wear down enamel and irritate your gums — and it doesn’t even do a better job at cleaning. My dentist (a very patient soul at my local Wimbledon NHS dentist) explained that technique matters more than brute force.
Now I use an electric toothbrush with a pressure sensor (which buzzes when I go overboard), and I make sure I’m brushing in small circular motions rather than sawing back and forth like I’m scrubbing a burnt pan.
Two minutes means… actually two minutes
Let’s be honest — most of us say we brush for two minutes, but if you timed it, it’s probably more like 45 seconds. I started using a timer (my toothbrush has one built-in, but a phone timer works too), and it made a huge difference.
Two minutes feels surprisingly long when you’re paying attention, but it gives you enough time to actually clean all the surfaces — front, back, and chewing sides. It’s a small change that makes a big impact.
Flossing isn’t optional (and it doesn’t have to be horrible)
I hated flossing. Hated it. It felt fiddly, annoying, and — if I’m being brutally honest — kind of pointless. That is, until my dentist pointed out that brushing alone misses up to 40% of your tooth surface. And where was I getting the most plaque build-up? Between my teeth. Shocker.
If you find traditional floss a pain, try interdental brushes or floss picks. I started with those soft little brushes and worked them into my routine every other day. Now I do it most nights, usually while binge-watching something mildly trashy on Netflix.
And no, your gums shouldn’t bleed every time. If they do, it’s probably a sign they need more attention — not less.
Your diet matters more than you think
It’s not just about cutting sugar (though yeah, that helps). What I didn’t realise is that how often you snack can be just as important as what you’re eating.
Every time you eat or drink something sugary or acidic, it kicks off a little acid attack on your enamel. If you’re constantly grazing — even on “healthy” snacks like dried fruit or smoothies — your teeth don’t get time to recover.
My dentist at SW19 Confidental Dental Clinic Wimbledon explained it in a way that really stuck with me: it’s not the sugar itself that’s the problem, it’s the frequency. So now I try to stick to meal times, limit the mindless snacking, and drink plenty of water throughout the day to rinse things down.
Also — chewing sugar-free gum after meals? Total game changer. It helps neutralise acid and keeps your mouth from feeling gross when brushing isn’t an option.
Don’t sleep on mouthwash — but time it right
I used to brush, then rinse with mouthwash immediately after. Apparently that’s not the best move.
Turns out, when you rinse straight after brushing, you’re washing away all the fluoride that just got onto your teeth. You want that stuff to stay there, doing its thing.
Now, if I use mouthwash, I do it at a different time — usually mid-afternoon or after lunch. That way I get the extra protection without cancelling out my brushing routine.
See your dentist — even if nothing feels wrong
This is the one I ignored for far too long. I hadn’t seen a dentist in three years because, well… everything seemed fine. No pain, no bleeding, nothing loose. But when I finally went in (thanks to that sore gum situation), I found out I had early-stage gum disease and a small cavity starting in a molar.
Luckily, I caught it early, and it didn’t turn into anything major. But it was a wake-up call. Now I go every six months like clockwork. Having a regular NHS dentist in Wimbledon I trust has made all the difference — and I can’t recommend SW19 Confidental Dental Clinic Wimbledon enough.
They explain everything clearly, don’t rush appointments, and never make you feel silly for asking questions (even the ones you think are obvious).
Little changes add up
You don’t have to overhaul your life to keep your teeth clean. It’s about building small habits that stick.
Here’s what my daily routine looks like now:
- Brush twice a day for two minutes
- Floss or use interdental brushes in the evening
- Use mouthwash at a separate time (usually after lunch)
- Drink plenty of water
- Chew sugar-free gum after meals if brushing isn’t possible
- Book in with my Wimbledon NHS dentist every six months
That’s it. No fancy gadgets. No crazy diet. Just consistency.
Final thoughts
If you’re putting off going to the dentist or feel like your routine is a bit “meh” — I’ve been there. The good news? It’s never too late to get back on track. Whether it’s improving your brushing technique or finally booking that check-up, small steps count.
And if you’re in the area and need a reliable, kind, and genuinely brilliant NHS dentist in Wimbledon, check out SW19 Confidental Dental Clinic Wimbledon. They’ve got a great team, they explain things in a way that makes sense, and they actually care about helping you stay on top of things.
Your teeth aren’t just there for smiling in photos — they’re with you for life. Might as well give them the TLC they deserve.
