For some of us, flossing is second-nature. For others, it's a pain in the, er, mouth. But it needs to be done and no – you can't substitute mouth wash for floss.

“Flossing is essential to remove tiny trapped food particles, as well as plaque between the teeth, which a toothbrush can’t reach,” says dental surgeon Dr Toni Bedford. Thirty-five to 40 percent of the tooth’s surface is not cleaned if you skip the floss. “(The remaining) debris can lead to dental decay, gingivitis and even tooth loss,” warns Bedford.

If you can’t stand string, use interdental brushes (from R60 at Clicks and pharmacies). Rinsing freshens your breath, but it doesn’t get rid of the stuff between your teeth or under your gums, two places plaque hides.