Your six-month cleaning does a lot of heavy lifting, but what you do at home between visits matters just as much. Here are five habits our hygienists recommend to every patient.
1. Brush at a 45-degree angle
Angling your brush toward the gumline (not straight into the tooth) clears the plaque that builds up right at the edge, where most cavities and gum irritation start.
2. Floss before you brush, not after
Flossing first loosens debris between teeth so your toothpaste fluoride can actually reach those surfaces during brushing.
3. Rinse with water, not straight after brushing
Give the fluoride in your toothpaste a few minutes to work before rinsing it away — a light water rinse a few minutes later is plenty.
4. Replace your toothbrush every 3 months
Frayed bristles clean far less effectively. Set a recurring reminder if you tend to forget.
5. Don’t skip your 6-month visit, even if nothing hurts
Most of what we catch early — small cavities, early gum inflammation — causes no pain at all until it is a bigger problem.