Great oral health starts with a solid daily routine. Whether you're in Lagos, Asaba, or anywhere in Nigeria, this comprehensive guide will transform your dental care habits and help you achieve the healthy, beautiful smile you deserve. Let's break down exactly what you need to know and do.
Morning
5 minutes
During Day
As needed
Evening
10 minutes
The Perfect Morning Routine (5 Minutes)
Step-by-Step Morning Care:
Rinse Your Mouth (30 seconds)
Start by rinsing with plain water to remove bacteria and debris that accumulated overnight. Swish vigorously for 30 seconds.
Brush Your Teeth (2 minutes minimum)
Use the proper brushing technique:
- • Hold brush at 45-degree angle to gums
- • Use gentle circular motions (not sawing back-and-forth)
- • Brush outer surfaces, inner surfaces, and chewing surfaces
- • Don't forget behind your back molars
- • Brush your tongue from back to front
Rinse with Mouthwash (30 seconds)
Use an antiseptic or fluoride mouthwash. Swish for 30 seconds, reaching all areas. Don't eat or drink for 30 minutes after.
Clean Your Toothbrush
Rinse thoroughly under running water, shake off excess water, and store upright in open air (not in a closed container where bacteria can grow).
The Crucial Evening Routine (10 Minutes)
Your evening routine is MORE important than morning because bacteria multiply rapidly overnight. Don't skip this!
Floss First (3-5 minutes)
Yes, floss BEFORE brushing. This loosens debris that brushing can then remove. Here's how:
- • Use 18 inches of floss (wrap around middle fingers)
- • Guide floss between teeth using gentle rubbing motion
- • Curve floss into C-shape against tooth
- • Slide floss up and down against tooth surface and under gumline
- • Use clean section of floss for each tooth
Brush Thoroughly (2-3 minutes)
Follow the same technique as morning, but take extra time. Set a timer if needed. Many electric toothbrushes have built-in 2-minute timers.
Clean Your Tongue (1 minute)
Use a tongue scraper or your toothbrush. Scrape or brush from back to front gently. This removes bacteria and prevents bad breath.
Use Mouthwash (30 seconds)
Final rinse to kill bacteria. Spit out but don't rinse with water after - let the fluoride work overnight.
Optional: Water Flosser
If you have braces, implants, or just want extra cleaning, use a water flosser as a final step.
Choosing the Right Products in Nigeria
Toothbrushes
Manual Toothbrushes
Best brands in Nigeria:
- • Oral-B Pro-Health (₦500-800)
- • Colgate 360° (₦400-600)
- • Sensodyne Soft (₦800-1,200)
Choose: Soft bristles always! Medium and hard damage gums and enamel.
Electric Toothbrushes (Recommended)
Available in Nigeria:
- • Oral-B Vitality (₦8,000-12,000)
- • Colgate 360 Battery (₦3,000-5,000)
- • Philips Sonicare (₦15,000-25,000)
Worth it? Yes! Studies show electric brushes remove 21% more plaque.
⏰ Replace Every 3 Months
Or sooner if bristles are frayed. Worn brushes are ineffective and can harbor bacteria.
Toothpaste
For General Use:
- • Colgate Total (₦800-1,200): Excellent all-around protection, fights plaque
- • Oral-B Pro-Expert (₦900-1,400): Multi-action formula, good for families
- • Close-Up (₦300-500): Budget-friendly option with fluoride
For Sensitive Teeth:
- • Sensodyne Repair & Protect (₦1,500-2,200): Best for sensitivity
- • Colgate Sensitive Pro-Relief (₦1,200-1,800): Fast-acting relief
For Whitening (Maintenance Only):
- • Colgate Optic White (₦1,000-1,500): Removes surface stains
- • Oral-B 3D White (₦1,200-1,800): Gentle whitening
💡 Pro Tip:
Always choose toothpaste with fluoride (1,000-1,500 ppm). This strengthens enamel and prevents cavities. All recommended brands above contain fluoride.
Dental Floss & Alternatives
Traditional Floss:
- • Oral-B Essential Floss (₦600-900)
- • Colgate Total Floss (₦500-800)
- • Johnson & Johnson Reach (₦700-1,000)
Choose: Waxed if teeth are tight, unwaxed for wider spaces.
Water Flossers (Advanced):
- • Waterpik (₦20,000-35,000)
- • Philips Sonicare AirFloss (₦25,000-40,000)
Ideal for: Braces, implants, bridges, or those who hate traditional flossing.
Mouthwash
Top Picks Available in Nigeria:
- • Listerine Total Care (₦2,000-3,000): 6-in-1 protection, kills 99% of germs
- • Oral-B Pro-Health (₦1,500-2,500): Alcohol-free, gentle but effective
- • Colgate Plax (₦800-1,200): Budget-friendly, fresh breath
- • Corsodyl (₦3,000-4,500): For gum problems (use short-term only)
Important Notes:
- • Alcohol-free mouthwashes are better for daily use (less drying)
- • Don't use mouthwash immediately after brushing - wait 30+ minutes
- • Look for fluoride-containing mouthwash for extra protection
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Brushing Too Hard
Why it's bad: Damages enamel and causes gum recession
✓ Fix: Use gentle circular motions, let the brush do the work
❌ Brushing Immediately After Eating
Why it's bad: Acid from food softens enamel temporarily
✓ Fix: Wait 30 minutes, or rinse with water and chew sugarfree gum instead
❌ Only Brushing Once Daily
Why it's bad: Plaque hardens into tartar within 24-48 hours
✓ Fix: Brush minimum twice daily, preferably after every meal
❌ Skipping Flossing
Why it's bad: Brush reaches only 60% of tooth surfaces
✓ Fix: Floss daily, preferably before bed
❌ Using Same Toothbrush Too Long
Why it's bad: Worn bristles don't clean effectively, harbor bacteria
✓ Fix: Replace every 3 months or when bristles fray
❌ Rinsing Immediately After Brushing
Why it's bad: Washes away protective fluoride
✓ Fix: Spit out toothpaste but don't rinse, or wait 30 minutes
Diet and Lifestyle Tips
✓ DO Consume:
- • Dairy products (calcium for strong teeth)
- • Crunchy vegetables (natural teeth cleaners)
- • Water (rinses away food particles)
- • Green tea (antibacterial properties)
- • Cheese (neutralizes acids)
- • Sugarfree gum (stimulates saliva)
✗ LIMIT or AVOID:
- • Sugary drinks (soda, juice)
- • Sticky candies and sweets
- • Acidic foods (excess citrus)
- • Ice (never chew ice!)
- • Tobacco (stains and disease)
- • Excessive alcohol
When to See Your Dentist
Regular Schedule:
- • Every 6 months: Professional cleaning and check-up
- • Annual X-rays: Detect problems early
- • Immediate visit if you notice: Bleeding gums, persistent pain, loose teeth, bad breath that won't go away, visible cavities, or sensitivity
Remember: Prevention is always cheaper and easier than treatment!
Ready for Your Next Check-Up?
Visit Vivic Dental Clinic in Asaba for comprehensive dental care and personalized oral hygiene advice
About the Author: Dr. Sarah Eze is a general and restorative dentist at Vivic Dental Clinic with a passion for preventive care and patient education. She believes that proper oral hygiene is the foundation of lifelong dental health.