Oral Health Guidelines
Brush your teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and floss before brushing to maximize plaque removal and fluoride retention in interdental spaces. 1, 2
Daily Brushing Technique
Use a small, ultra-soft-headed, rounded-end bristle toothbrush and brush within 30 minutes after eating and before bed, ensuring the gingival portion of the tooth and periodontal sulcus are included. 1
Apply prescription-strength fluoride toothpaste (1,000-1,500 ppm fluoride for adults; lower concentrations for children under 7 at low caries risk), spit out the foam but do not rinse your mouth immediately after brushing to maximize fluoride retention. 1, 3
Use only a pea-sized amount of toothpaste to minimize fluoride ingestion risk, particularly in young children. 3
Rinse your toothbrush in hot water to soften bristles before use, brush tongue gently from back to front, rinse brush after use in hot water, and allow to air dry. 1
Replace your toothbrush when bristles are no longer standing straight to maintain cleaning effectiveness. 1
Flossing Protocol
Floss at least once daily before brushing rather than after, as this sequence significantly reduces interdental plaque (by 0.73 vs 0.40 units) and increases fluoride concentration in interdental spaces. 1, 2
Use waxed floss if needed to minimize trauma to the gingivae. 1
If flossing causes bleeding that persists beyond 2 minutes, consult your dental provider. 1
Important caveat: While antimicrobial mouthrinses may reduce interdental plaque more than flossing in some studies, flossing followed by brushing provides superior fluoride delivery to interdental areas, which is critical for long-term caries prevention. 2, 4
Mouth Rinsing Regimen
Rinse vigorously several times daily (at least 3 times) with a bland rinse consisting of 1 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon baking soda in 4 cups of water to maintain moisture, remove debris, and prevent overgrowth of acidogenic bacteria. 1
Use alcohol-free mouthwash at least 4 times daily for approximately 1 minute, as alcohol-based products can dry the mouth. 1, 5
Avoid commercial mouthwashes with alcohol or astringent properties, particularly if you have any oral complications. 1
Additional Oral Care Measures
Use remineralizing pastes and chewing gum containing calcium and phosphate to strengthen tooth enamel. 1
Moisturize your mouth with water or water-soluble lubricants as needed, avoiding glycerin or lemon-glycerin swabs as these dry the mouth. 1
Apply animal or plant-based oils (beeswax, cocoa butter, lanolin) to lips to keep them lubricated; avoid petroleum-based products as they cause drying and cracking. 1
Special Considerations for Denture Wearers
Remove dentures, plates, and prostheses before brushing and brush them after meals and at bedtime. 1
Remove dentures from your mouth for at least 8 hours per 24-hour period and soak in rinsing solution during this time. 1
Professional Dental Care
Schedule dental follow-ups every 6 months minimum to maintain optimal oral health and detect problems early. 1
Have your dental team evaluate for sources of mechanical trauma including ill-fitting dental prostheses, fractured teeth, or sharp dental restorations that could cause oral mucosal injury. 5
Critical Timing Considerations
The evidence on optimal timing of brushing (before vs. after meals) is not definitive, but brushing after meals appears reasonable to eliminate food impaction and shorten sucrose exposure time. 6 However, if you suffer from dental erosion, avoid brushing immediately after consuming acidic foods or beverages, as this can damage erosively softened tooth surfaces. 6, 7