The daily routine
Brush at least twice a day, ideally after meals, and floss before bed. Fluoride toothpaste hardens enamel, helps prevent cavities, and can reverse the smallest ones. An antibacterial rinse helps round things out.
Dental home care that actually works
No professional treatment holds up without proper care between visits. The routine is simple, and getting it right is what keeps the dentist's chair an easy place to be.
Brushing and flossing after meals, at least twice a day, is the foundation everything else rests on. The technique matters more than the effort, so a few small adjustments often do more than brushing harder.
Brushing technique
A 45 degree angle to the gumline, small circular and back-and-forth strokes, and a pass over every surface including the tongue. Replace the brush when the bristles start to splay.
Flossing technique
Wind the floss around your fingers, ease it between the teeth, and move it up, down and sideways, curving gently under the gumline. Ask the dentist or hygienist to tailor the advice to your mouth.