The best dentistry happens at home, twice a day. A few simple habits — done consistently — prevent the vast majority of cavities and gum disease we see.
Brushing the right way
- Twice a day, two minutesBrush in the morning and before bed. Two full minutes is longer than it feels — try splitting your mouth into four sections, 30 seconds each.
- Soft bristles, gentle pressureUse a soft-bristled brush and a light touch. Scrubbing hard wears down enamel and irritates gums; let the bristles do the work.
- Angle toward the gumlineHold the brush at about 45 degrees to your gums and use small, circular strokes — that's where plaque loves to hide.
- Don't forget the restBrush the chewing surfaces, the inside of your teeth and your tongue to freshen breath.
Use fluoride toothpaste
Fluoride strengthens enamel and helps reverse early decay. After brushing at night, spit but don't rinse with water — leaving a thin layer of toothpaste lets the fluoride keep working.
Flossing — the step most people skip
Brushing cleans about three of the five surfaces of each tooth. Flossing reaches the two surfaces in between, where cavities and gum disease often start. Floss once a day:
- Use about 18 inches of floss, wrapping most around your middle fingers.
- Gently guide it between teeth — never snap it down onto the gums.
- Curve it into a "C" shape against each tooth and slide it under the gumline.
- Prefer not to use string floss? Floss picks, water flossers and interdental brushes all work well. The best tool is the one you'll actually use.
What you eat matters
Cavities are fed by how often you snack on sugars and starches, not just how much. Every sugary or acidic snack starts an acid attack on your enamel. A few practical tips:
- Sip water — especially fluoridated tap water — throughout the day.
- Limit sugary and acidic drinks (soda, sweet tea, sports drinks); when you do enjoy them, use a straw and don't sip slowly for hours.
- Crunchy fruits and veggies, cheese and plain water are smile-friendly snacks.
- Wait about 30 minutes after acidic foods or drinks before brushing.
Helping kids build the habit
Brush your child's teeth for them until they can tie their own shoes (around age 6–7), then supervise. Use a smear of fluoride toothpaste for toddlers and a pea-sized amount for older kids. Making it a fun, shared routine now pays off for life.
Still see your dentist
Even perfect home care can't remove hardened tartar or catch problems early. Most patients do best with a professional cleaning and exam every six months.