Floss, brush, rinse. Taking great care of your mouth does not have to be difficult. It just requires a little education, dedication and effort. Dr. Schneider and our smile care team have created some simple instructions for home care to optimize your preventative and maintenance techniques.

Flossing Your Teeth

To minimize your chances of decay, it is important to floss between of your teeth and through the pockets of your gums each day. We recommend flossing between teeth before you go to bed as part of your night time routine. We recommend using waxed floss for best ease of use. Getting the floss between your teeth is not enough. Our team can teach you how to keep gum pockets clean with dental floss resulting in a cleaner mouth with fewer restorative needs.

Brushing Your Teeth

Brushing at least twice a day, in the morning and before bed is essential for care. We recommend using Colgate Total toothpaste because it is packed with fluoride, xylitol and other essential tooth protecting ingredients. If you are using a traditional tooth brush, we recommend brushing for at least two-minutes at a time. While brushing, make certain you cover your entire gum line, all around your teeth, the front and back. Your brush should stay along the gums and feel like a little more than a tickle because brushing too hard can cause damage to gums.

Our team likes almost all of the options on the market for power brushing. So if you prefer a battery powered or charged toothbrush, please use it, but remember, keep your contact gentle and brush for at least two-minutes to stimulate gum health and keep teeth clean.

Rinsing Your Mouth

Lots of people like mouth rinse and we’re fans too. While most mouth rinses kill bacteria, there are a few brands we prefer because they have added preventative ingredients. We love Biotene and ACT mouth rinses because both help protect tooth enamel. If you are at the drug store and can not remember the products we recommend, just remember to look for the ADA (American Dental Association) label.

Bonus Dental Care

There are several ways to improve smile health and appearance through nutrition. Fruits and vegetables can help remove plaque. Every time you eat an apple, some broccoli or cauliflower, you are not just keeping your body healthy, you are also whitening your smile and removing plaque. So eat your fruits and veggies, and smile big!

To learn more about our practice preferred products, click here.

To schedule your dental visit, please call our smile care team today at (949) 380-0700.