Oral Hygiene Tips – Keep Your Smile Healthy Every Day
Good oral hygiene is the foundation of a healthy, confident smile.
At First Care Dental, we believe that prevention starts at home — and a few simple daily habits can make a big difference.
This page is all about practical oral hygiene tips to help you keep your teeth and gums strong between dental visits.
Why Oral Hygiene Matters
Your mouth is the gateway to your overall health.
Poor dental habits can lead to cavities, gum disease, bad breath, and even systemic issues like heart disease and diabetes.
Practicing consistent oral hygiene helps you maintain fresh breath, bright teeth, and long-lasting oral health.
How often do I need to brush and floss?
It is recommended to at least brush twice a day with a fluoride tooth paste and floss once a day.
What is the correct order of brushing,flossing, and mouthwash?
🦷 Floss first – Removes food particles and plaque between teeth, allowing fluoride from toothpaste to reach those areas.
🪥 Brush second – Use a fluoride toothpaste to clean all tooth surfaces and gums (brush for 2 minutes). Don’t forget to brush your tongue or use a tongue scraper
🧴 Mouthwash last (optional) – Wait 30 minutes after brushing to allow the toothpaste to take full effect. Rinse with a fluoride or antibacterial mouthwash to wash away loosened debris and provide extra protection.
Daily Oral Hygiene Routine
Follow these essential steps every day for a cleaner, healthier mouth:
1. Brush Twice a Day
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
Brush for at least two minutes, covering all tooth surfaces — front, back, and chewing areas.
2. Floss Once Daily
Flossing removes plaque and food particles that brushing can’t reach — especially between teeth and under the gumline.
3. Rinse with Mouthwash
Use an antimicrobial or fluoride mouthwash to reduce bacteria and strengthen enamel. Avoid alcohol-based rinses if you have sensitive gums.
4. Clean Your Tongue
Use a tongue scraper or brush your tongue gently to remove bacteria and prevent bad breath.
Eat for a Healthy Smile
Your diet plays a big role in oral health.
Follow these nutrition-based oral hygiene tips:
Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables (especially crunchy ones like apples and carrots).
Limit sugary snacks and drinks, which can cause cavities.
Drink plenty of water to wash away food particles and balance mouth acidity.
Include calcium-rich foods like milk, yogurt, and cheese for stronger teeth.
Oral Hygiene for Kids
Teaching good oral hygiene early builds lifelong habits.
Help your child by:
Supervising brushing until at least age 7
Using fun toothbrushes and flavored toothpaste
Turning brushing into a family routine
Visiting the dentist every 6 months for checkups
At First Care Dental, our team loves helping kids learn to care for their smiles.
Favorite oral hygiene products
- Tooth brushes: manual-any soft bristled toothbrush; electronic-Oral B or Sonicare
- Floss: Reach; Floss picks (Dentek); For teeth with tight contacts- Glide; For teeth with gaps-Soft picks and Water pik
- Mouthwash: ACT, TheraBreath, or any mouthwash without alcohol in it
How to reduce cavities?
- Stay hydrated by drinking lots of water. Dry mouths lead to more cavities.
- Reduce any sugar/sweets, starchy or sticky foods (chips/crackers), carbonated beverages, and snack consumption.
- Chew sugar free xylitol gum. Xylitol kills off bad cavity causing bacteria, while chewing gum helps increase saliva production to neutralize harmful acids wearing down your teeth.
- Wait 30 minutes after you brush before rinsing your mouth. Give the fluoride in your toothpaste time to get its full effect and prevent cavities.
- Wait 30 minutes after eating before brushing your teeth. Eating food creates acid on your teeth. Your mouth needs 30 minutes at least for saliva to coat your teeth and neutralize that acid
- Don’t smoke or drink alcohol. These lead to poor healing response from your body and contribute to gum disease and cavities.
Schedule Your Next Dental Cleaning Today
Ready for a brighter, healthier smile?
Contact First Care Dental today to schedule your preventive check-up and professional cleaning.
📞 Call us at: (775) 515-7111
Or click below to schedule online — new patients are always welcome!
