While regular dental visits to our office for cleanings and exams are an essential part of maintaining your oral health, much of keeping your teeth clean depends on your at-home oral hygiene routine.
At Shrewsbury Dental Associates, we believe that investing in the right tools and techniques can elevate your routine and ultimately help prevent more serious dental issues down the road. Let’s explore ways to upgrade your home dental habits so you can keep your smile shining between appointments.
Even the best tools won’t help if you don’t use them consistently. A healthy smile starts with daily habits that support long-term oral health. Here are the basics to keep in mind:
• Brush your teeth twice daily for two full minutes.
• Floss or use a water flosser once a day — no exceptions.
• Replace your toothbrush or toothbrush head every three months or sooner if the bristles are frayed.
• Visit us every six months for cleanings and exams.
Consistency is key with any habit, and your smile will thank you for it.
Brushing your teeth is the foundation of good oral health, but not all brushes are created equal. If you're still using a manual toothbrush, it may be time to make the switch.
Electric toothbrushes offer several benefits:
• Consistent brushing power. Studies show electric brushes remove more plaque compared to manual brushing.
• Built-in timers. Many electric brushes feature two-minute timers to ensure you’re brushing for the dentist-recommended amount of time.
• Ease of use. These brushes do most of the work for you, making them especially helpful for individuals with mobility issues or those with braces.
Whether using an oscillating model or taking advantage of the latest sonic technology, you'll get a deeper clean and a noticeable improvement in gum health, breath freshness, and stain removal.
Flossing is just as important as brushing, but it’s often skipped or done inconsistently. This could be because you're not using the right kind of floss or device for your mouth and habits.
If regular floss gets stuck in your teeth, you can try waxed floss. Or if you struggle with handling slippery dental floss, try a floss holder.
If you're looking to invest in your at-home oral hygiene routine, a water flosser could be the right fit for you. Devices use a pressurized stream of water to clean between your teeth and along the gumline. They’re especially effective for:
• Removing food particles in hard-to-reach areas.
• Reducing plaque and inflammation.
• Cleaning around dental work, like bridges, implants, or braces.
They also take less time than string floss, which means you’re more likely to stick with it.
Just like your teeth and gums, your tongue harbors bacteria that can cause dental issues. If you’re brushing and flossing but still experiencing bad breath, your tongue could be the culprit.
Using a tongue scraper or the back of your toothbrush to gently clean your tongue is a quick step that helps reduce odor-causing bacteria and leaves your whole mouth feeling fresher.
Looking to whiten your teeth without stepping into the office? Our professional-grade, at-home whitening kits offer an effective and convenient solution. Each kit includes custom-made trays that fit your teeth perfectly, along with a powerful and safe whitening gel.
When used consistently, these kits can deliver results comparable to in-office treatments—helping you achieve a noticeably brighter smile from the comfort of home.
Choosing the right toothpaste and mouthwash can make a noticeable difference in your oral health.
• For sensitive teeth: Look for a toothpaste that contains potassium nitrate or stannous fluoride.
• To fight cavities: Use fluoride toothpaste and rinse to strengthen enamel.
• To reduce tartar and plaque: Choose mouthwashes with antibacterial properties like cetylpyridinium chloride.
We understand the dental care aisle can be overwhelming. If you need quick advice on what to buy, check for the ADA Seal of Acceptance.
At Shrewsbury Dental Associates, we’re happy to guide you toward the best oral care products for your unique needs. Whether you're interested in custom whitening trays or just looking to enhance your routine, our team is here to help.
Schedule your next cleaning or consultation today and take the first step toward a healthier smile at home.
