Taking care of your teeth at home is just as important as your regular dentist visits. But with all the info floating around out there, it’s easy to get a little overwhelmed. Don’t worry—we’ve got you. We’re answering some of the most common questions we hear, with helpful tips from Dr. Charles White, DDS, and our awesome hygienist Kiki, RDH, to help you keep that smile bright and healthy!
Before we jump in, we want to take a moment to give a big shoutout to our amazing hygienist Kiki in honor of Hygienist Appreciation Week (celebrated the second week of April). We appreciate all the care and love you bring to our patients every day, Kiki!
Why should I brush for two minutes in the morning and at night?
Think of your teeth as tiny warriors fighting off plaque and bacteria all day long. If you’re not brushing long enough, those sneaky germs can lead to cavities and gum issues. Brushing for a full two minutes—morning and night—helps make sure every surface gets a good clean.
“You can use a timer or use an electric toothbrush with a built-in timer. Two minutes goes by faster than you think! Or better yet, our Patient Coordinator Crystal curated this “Tooth Minutes” playlist of 2 minute songs to listen to while you brush.” – Kiki, RDH
Should I floss before or after brushing? And what about Waterpiks?
Great question! Honestly, it doesn’t matter much whether you floss before or after brushing—as long as you do it once a day, you’re golden. Flossing clears out food and plaque between your teeth where your toothbrush just can’t reach.
“If you’ve got braces or struggle with traditional floss, a Waterpik is an excellent option! It uses a stream of water to blast away gunk from hard-to-reach spots.” – Dr. Charles White, DDS
Should I rinse with mouthwash after I brush my teeth?
This one surprises a lot of people! While you might think rinsing right after brushing helps get any leftover bacteria or food bits out, it’s actually better to let your toothpaste (especially one with fluoride in it) hang out on your teeth a little longer.
- Wait at least 15 minutes – Let that fluoride marinate! Giving it time to soak in helps build up a stronger enamel shield, which is your teeth’s first line of defense.
- Mouthwash – Many mouthwashes contain less fluoride than your toothpaste. If you rinse immediately, you might actually be washing away all that good stuff your toothpaste just left behind.
If you love using mouthwash (we get it, minty-fresh feels amazing!), try using it at a different time of day, like after lunch or mid-afternoon for a little refresh.
Is brushing and flossing enough? What else can I do to protect my teeth?
Brushing and flossing are your MVPs—but there are a few bonus moves to level up your oral hygiene game:
- Rinse your mouth with water after eating or drinking sugary or acidic things (like soda, coffee, or juice).
- Stay hydrated. Water helps rinse away bacteria and keeps your mouth from drying out.
- Cut back on snacking. Every little nibble gives bacteria another shot at making trouble for your teeth.
What foods are best for keeping my teeth strong and healthy?
Your diet is a big deal when it comes to oral health. Here are some smile-friendly foods to add to your grocery list:
Dairy (milk, cheese, yogurt): Packed with calcium and phosphates that help strengthen enamel.
Crunchy fruits & veggies (apples, carrots, celery): They’re nature’s toothbrushes—and they boost your saliva, too!
Lean proteins (chicken, fish, nuts): High in phosphorus, which helps repair and protect enamel.
Water: The GOAT of beverages. Keeps you hydrated, clears away food bits, and helps prevent dry mouth.
Is sparkling water as good as regular water?
While sparkling water beats sugary sodas any day, it’s still a little acidic because of the carbonation. And flavored versions? They can sneak in even more acid, which may wear down enamel over time.
“If you love bubbly drinks, enjoy them with meals and rinse with regular water afterward to help reduce acid effects.” — Dr. Charles White, DDS
Taking care of your teeth at home doesn’t have to be complicated. Stick with the basics, pay attention to your diet, and keep those dental appointments on the calendar. Your future self (and your smile) will thank you!