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The team at DDS is caring, knowledgeable, and attentive. The staff is friendly and always go out of their way to make sure I’m comfortable. Through the periodontal therapy I’ve received at DDS, my dental and overall health have greatly improved. My teeth and gums also look and feel better. Dr. Mead equipped me with everything I need to easily maintain the incredible progress I’ve made in between cleanings and checkups. He’s gone above and beyond to find solutions to several challenging dental issues I’ve had, employing new technologies to get them fixed quickly and beautifully. Best dentist I’ve ever had!
- Erin Nowak
Ideal Care Habits
For most patients, the standard brush 2 times per day and floss daily is acceptable. Ideal homecare would be brush after every time you eat and floss at least once per day.
Brushing: While an electric toothbrush with rotary/oscillating motion (such as Oral-B) has been proven to be superior at plaque and food removal, at the very least a manual toothbrush with SOFT bristles should be used for 2 minutes 2 times per day. Patients should avoid an active horizontal scrubbing motion and rather use a passive circular motion around all aspects of the teeth to the gum line. An active horizontal scrubbing motion can lead to gum recession, which could require a surgical procedure to correct. Passive pressure is all that is indicated as plaque is easily removed with this light pressure. Once plaque hardens to calculus (tartar), it can’t be removed with a toothbrush, no matter how hard you brush. At that point, your friendly hygienist will need dental instruments to remove it. So a hard scrubbing motion still doesn’t remove the tartar, but can damage your gums.
Flossing: Use approximately 18 inches of floss and wrap tightly around your index fingers. Gently slide the floss in between two adjacent teeth. Wrap the floss in a C-shape around the back tooth and gently slide the floss up and down under the gum line. Then before taking the floss out, wrap the floss in a C-shape around the front tooth and repeat. Repeat this for every tooth and you will have properly flossed all of your teeth. This is one of the most important, yet overlooked parts of oral hygiene. Lack of flossing is the main contributor to periodontal (gum) problems and interproximal (in between teeth) decay.
Rinsing: Whether you are using a prescribed mouth rinse, or an over the counter brand, mouth rinses can greatly help with disease prevention and oral hygiene, but are only effective after proper brushing an flossing. Make sure your the mouth rinse does not contain alcohol, however, as this will dry out your gums. If you are unsure which mouth rinse is right for you, ask one of your hygienists or dentists.
Frequently Asked Questions
1). How do I know if my at-home dental routine is actually effective?
An effective routine should leave your teeth feeling clean, your gums healthy, and your breath fresh. If you’re still noticing plaque buildup, sensitivity, or gum irritation, your routine may need to be adjusted with guidance from your dentist.
2). Am I brushing correctly, or could I be damaging my teeth without realizing it?
It’s possible to brush too hard or use the wrong technique, which can wear down enamel and irritate your gums. Gentle brushing with a soft-bristled toothbrush and proper technique is the most effective way to protect your smile.
3). Why do I still get cavities even though I brush every day?
Brushing alone may not remove plaque from between your teeth or along the gumline. Without proper flossing and technique, bacteria can remain in hard-to-reach areas and lead to decay over time.
4). Is flossing really necessary if I brush thoroughly?
Yes. Brushing only cleans about 60% of your tooth surfaces. Flossing or using interdental cleaners helps remove plaque and food particles from the areas your toothbrush can’t reach.
5). How important is it to brush before bed compared to the morning?
Brushing before bed is especially important. It removes plaque and bacteria that build up throughout the day, helping protect your teeth overnight while your mouth produces less saliva.
6). Can using mouthwash replace brushing or flossing?
No. Mouthwash is a helpful addition to your routine, but it can’t replace brushing or flossing. It helps reduce bacteria and freshen breath, but it doesn’t remove plaque from the teeth.
7). How often should a mouth guard be replaced or checked?
You should replace your toothbrush every 3–4 months, or sooner if the bristles are worn. Fresh bristles clean more effectively and are gentler on your gums.
8). Can my diet affect my oral health even if I maintain good hygiene?
Yes. Frequent consumption of sugary or acidic foods can increase your risk of cavities. These foods feed bacteria that produce acids, which can weaken enamel over time.
9). Why does my breath still smell bad even after brushing?
Bad breath is often caused by bacteria on the tongue, between teeth, or along the gumline. Cleaning your tongue and flossing daily can help address the source of the problem.
10). Is it normal for my gums to bleed when I start flossing?
Mild bleeding can occur when you first begin flossing regularly, especially if your gums are inflamed. With consistent care, your gums should become healthier and the bleeding should improve.