By Dr Rima J. Abdallah, Consultant Periodontist, Oral Health Advisor to Listerine
What many do not realize is the connection your oral hygiene has to your overall health. Periodontal disease, in particular, has been linked to chronic conditions such as heart disease and diabetes. With 3.5 billion people worldwide affected by oral diseases—90% of whom experience some form of gingivitis—the global burden of poor oral hygiene is a significant public health concern. The need for effective oral care has never been more urgent.
In our region, busy lifestyles, shifting routines, and an almost overwhelming selection of food and beverage choices all have an impact on how effectively we care for our teeth and gums. Factors such as frequent snacking, drinking sugary drinks, and being exposed to hot, most times dry, weather for months on end can lead to problems like tooth decay, gum issues, or bad breath.
It’s time to relook at your oral health routine.
- Use the 3-Step Oral Care Routine: Floss, Brush, and Rinse
Brushing your teeth, while important, only cleans about 25% of your mouth. To fully clean your whole mouth (teeth, gums, tongue and cheeks), flossing and rinsing is critical.
- Flossing cleans between your teeth where your toothbrush can’t reach.
- Brushing twice a day helps remove food and plaque from the surface of your teeth.
- Rinsing with mouthwash kills extra bacteria and makes your mouth feel fresh. It works fast—in just 30 seconds.
Building a routine that incorporates all three steps is the only way to ensure you are actively working to prevent these common oral health issues.
- Drink More Water & Choose Fresh Foods
Water is one of the best things you can give your mouth. It helps flush out leftover food, keeps your mouth from drying out, and supports overall oral health. Make it a habit to drink plenty of water during the day—especially in hot weather. Crunchy fruits and vegetables like apples and cucumbers are also great—they naturally help scrub your teeth clean while you eat. [1] - Quit Smoking – Give Your Oral Health a Fresh Start [2]
Smoking harms your mouth in many ways—it stains your teeth, causes bad breath, and increases the risk of a series of oral diseases. Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do to protect your smile and overall oral health. Using proven methods like nicotine replacement therapies can help make quitting easier by reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms. By quitting, you reduce harmful chemicals in your mouth, improve gum health, and give your body a chance to heal. It’s a fresh start your smile will thank you for.
- Regular Dental Check-ups
Even in the absence of visible symptoms, underlying oral health issues can develop silently. Early detection is key to preventing more serious problems down the line. Scheduling a regular cleaning and examination every six months or so allows your dentist to provide targeted advice, reach areas your toothbrush can’t, and help maintain your overall oral health. 2
- Limit Sugary Foods and Drinks
It’s okay to enjoy sweets once in a while, but too much sugar can harm your teeth. Sugary and acidic drinks can slowly damage enamel and lead to cavities. Try to enjoy them in moderation — and remember to rinse your mouth or drink water afterwards to help protect your teeth.
Good oral care doesn’t need to take much time. Just a few minutes of brushing, flossing, and rinsing daily—plus smart food choices and regular dentist visits—can make a big difference. Stick to the basics, and your smile will thank you.
