A leading dentist has answered some of his most commonly-asked questions - including how often you should change your toothbrush and whether you should try oil pulling.
Dr Craig Wilson, who works at Sydney Holistic Dental Centre with Dr Lewis Erlich, has been practicing dentistry for over 25 years - and spoke in conversation with Dr Lewis about the main questions clients want to know the answers to.
From flossing to whitening, FEMAIL reveals the dental advice you need to follow.
A dentist answered some of his most commonly-asked questions - including how often you should change your toothbrush and whether to try oil pulling (pictured: Dr Lewis Erlich)
Dr Craig Wilson, who works at Sydney Holistic Dental Centre with Dr Lewis Erlich (both pictured), has been practicing dentistry for over 25 years
1. What is oil pulling, do you recommend it and if so, how much?
The first question Dr Erlich asked Dr Wilson was about was oil pulling. What is it, is it something he would recommend and how often?
* Oil pulling is an ancient practice that involves swishing oil in your mouth to remove bacteria and promote oral hygiene.
* It is often associated with Auyrveda, the traditional medicine system from India.
* Studies suggest that oil pulling can kill bacteria in the mouth and improve dental health.
* Some types of oil also contain properties that can naturally reduce inflammation and bacteria to promote oral health.
Source: Healthline
'Oil pulling is a tough one. I admire people that do this, because it takes time,' Dr Wilson said on Dr Erlich's podcast.
'The regimes that I've read about take between 15 and 17 minutes at a time, constantly swishing around oil in your mouth.'
However, Dr Wilson said that such a practice is beneficial - principally because it is both 'anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory'.
'Any time we can get the right balance of bacteria in our mouths, it's going to be a positive,' he said.
'We are never going to be bacteria-free, but oil pulling each day will give us that anti-inflammatory effect.'
On the whole, however, the dentist said that unless you have the time for it, oil pulling is not necessary.
'For me, I haven't got enough hours in a week,' he said.
'I love those people have the discipline to maximise their health, but for the general population it's not essential.
'You're far better off finding the time to floss for a minute or two each day.'
Dr Wilson said while oil pulling is beneficial, unless you have the time required to maximise your health, then the most important thing is to brush regularly and floss (stock image)
2. How do you get your partner to go to the dentist?
The second question Dr Wilson is commonly asked is how can someone get their partner to go to the dentist?
The answer to this, he said, is to find out their motivating factor.
'If you need to get your partner to get their teeth checked, then find their motivating points,' he said.
'Everyone has one, but warn them that avoidance is dangerous on a lot of levels. Things that happen in the mouth often come from a lack of symptoms.
'No one knows what's going on in there
