SALM TEAM 
Better brushing starts with the right brush — and it’s easier than you think.
Are South Africans brushing wrong? A new campaign by oral care experts Ivohealth and GUM says yes – and they’ve launched a national drive to help fix it.
The Better Brushing campaign, spearheaded by Ivohealth and supported by local dental professionals, aims to raise awareness about more effective brushing techniques and the role of toothbrush design in preventing gum disease and systemic health issues.
“Plaque isn’t just a cosmetic concern — it can trigger inflammation, bleeding gums and is linked to heart disease and diabetes,” says Dirna Grobbelaar, Oral Hygiene Advisor at Ivohealth. “Using the right brush makes all the difference.”
What Makes a Better Brush?
GUM’s clinically developed toothbrushes feature ultra-soft, tapered bristles that clean more effectively and gently beneath the gumline, where most problems begin.
Manual brushes like the GUM PRO Sensitive and GUM PRO+ are designed with ergonomic grips to guide correct brushing angles, supporting better patient outcomes and making it easier for professionals to recommend the right product.
Not Just for Pros
The campaign also recommends inclusive brushing tools like the revolutionary Balene brush with a dual-sided head (great for people with disabilities or dexterity issues and children who are still developing the fine motor skills needed for effective brushing) and Oclean sonic brushes, which offer a high-tech brushing experience with built-in coaching.
Expert Advice
To help educate people on simple techniques to improve their brushing, Ivohealth has launched an online brushing hub featuring tips, product comparisons and expert advice – tailored to different needs, from kids to orthodontics and sensitive gums.
Brush Better Today
For personalised professional advice on how to perfect your oral care routine, speak to your dentist or oral hygienist. For further information, visit the new Better Brushing Hub (www.ivohealth.co.za/better-brushing) for expert brushing tips for every age and life stage
For further tips and information, follow the conversation on social media: #BrushBetterWithGUM
@Ivohealth @GUMsouthafrica
Social
Facebook: @ivohealth; @GUMSouthAfrica
Instagram: @ivohealth; @GUMSouthAfrica
TikTok: @ivohealth
#BrushBetterWithGUM
Useful Resources
Guide to Better Brushing – https://ivohealth.co.za/better-brushing/
