Our recommendations are backed by current research!
We have no conflict of interest regarding recommended products – just what we see has given our patients the healthiest mouths!
Top 10 Tips for a Stellar Smile
1. Brush with an electric toothbrush twice daily
While possible, it’s difficult to achieve the same level of cleanliness as with a manual toothbrush. Timers allow you to know that you’ve spent enough time in a particular area. Pressure sensors let you know if you’re brushing too aggressively. We recommend Oral B and Sonicare models with both timers and pressure sensors.
2. Clean the spaces in between your teeth with floss once daily
Your toothbrush can’t reach in between your teeth. We recommend whatever gets you to floss daily – either picks or traditional floss. We recommend the ADA Accepted Waterpik for those patients with significant dental work.
3. Rinse with mouthwash twice daily for 30 seconds
Use in conjunction with brushing and flossing, not as a substitute. We recommend alcohol-free versions, including Listerine, Crest Pro-Health, and ACT.
4. Scrape your tongue once daily with a dedicated tongue scraper
Both cavity and gum disease-causing bacteria thrive in the grooves of your tongue. Clean it regularly to freshen up your breath. A variety of quality scrapers exist on Amazon.
5. Stay hydrated, and drink fluoridated water
In addition to being good for overall health, being hydrated increases salivary flow, which enables the flushing activity of bacteria. Fluoridated water also strengthens teeth and protect them from cavities.
6. Avoid smoking, vaping, marijuana, and tobacco use
These products can cause dry mouth, which can increase your risk for cavities. Nicotine in tobacco products causes gums to be unhealthy by starving them of nutrients to fight off bacteria.
7. Limit your sugar intake
Sugars are the food source for cavity-causing bacteria. Check the sugar content in your drinks; many people consume most of their sugar this way.
8. Avoid snacking too frequently
Acid levels in the mouth spike whenever you eat or drink for 30 minutes at a time. This includes sipping drinks over several hours.
9. Chew gum with xylitol
Chewing gum promotes salivary flow and flushes away bacteria. Xylitol is a sugar alcohol unable to be broken down by bacteria. We recommend Trident Gum.
10. Regularly visit us to ensure your mouth is healthy
Our recommendations for recalls and maintenance are customized to your mouth’s needs. Annual x-rays, cleanings to prevent the progression of gum disease, reviewing medical histories, and recommendations to protect your smile… we’re always here for you and your family!
