What are the best practices for maintaining good dental health?

Best Practices for Maintaining Good Dental Health

Brush your teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste containing at least 1000 ppm fluoride, floss at least once daily, and rinse with a bland solution of salt and baking soda several times per day to maintain optimal oral health. 1

Daily Oral Hygiene Routine

Tooth Brushing

• Brush twice daily (within 30 minutes after eating and before bed) using an ultra-soft-headed, rounded-end bristle toothbrush 1, 2
• Use fluoride toothpaste with at least 1000 ppm fluoride concentration for effective caries prevention 3, 4
• For adults and children over 6 years, 1450-1500 ppm fluoride toothpaste provides superior caries protection compared to lower concentrations 4
• Apply a pea-sized amount of toothpaste to minimize fluorosis risk in children while maintaining efficacy 5
• Spit out excess toothpaste but do not rinse immediately after brushing to maximize fluoride contact time 1
• Ensure brushing includes the gingival portion of teeth and periodontal sulcus 1
• Brush tongue gently from back to front 1
• Rinse toothbrush in hot water before and after use, then allow to air dry 1
• Replace toothbrush when bristles no longer stand straight 1

Important caveat: While some evidence suggests once-daily meticulous brushing may suffice, twice-daily brushing is recommended because most patients cannot achieve adequate plaque removal with single daily brushing 2

Flossing

• Floss at least once daily to remove interproximal plaque 1
• Waxed floss may be easier to use and causes less gingival trauma 1
• If bleeding persists beyond 2 minutes after flossing, seek professional evaluation 1

Mouth Rinsing

• Rinse vigorously several times daily with a bland solution of 1 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon baking soda in 4 cups of water 1
• This combination raises oral pH and prevents overgrowth of acidogenic bacteria 1
• Intensify rinsing frequency when experiencing dry mouth 1
• Avoid alcohol-based commercial mouthwashes as they can dry the oral cavity 1
• Avoid club soda due to carbonic acid content 1

Special Considerations for Denture Wearers

• Remove dentures before brushing natural teeth 1
• Brush and rinse dentures after meals and at bedtime 1
• Remove dentures for at least 8 hours per 24-hour period and soak in rinsing solution 1
• Ensure proper denture fit to avoid trauma and poor periodontal health 1

Oral Moisturization

• Apply water-based, non-petroleum lubricants (plant or animal-based oils like beeswax, cocoa butter, lanolin) to lips and oral cavity as needed 1
• Avoid petroleum-based products as they cause drying and cracking 1
• Apply lubricant after each cleaning, at bedtime, and as needed 1

Professional Dental Care

• Schedule dental examinations and cleanings every 6 months minimum 1
• Seek immediate professional care if you notice persistent gingival bleeding, swelling, pain, or loose teeth 1
• Complete all necessary dental work before starting certain medications (particularly bone-modifying agents) when medically feasible 1

Additional Preventive Measures

• Use remineralizing toothpaste and chewing gum containing calcium and phosphate to strengthen enamel 1
• Consider prescription-strength fluoride toothpaste for high caries risk 1
• Manage systemic risk factors including diabetes control and smoking cessation 1
• Maintain adequate hydration to support salivary function 1

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Do not rinse with large volumes of water immediately after brushing as this washes away protective fluoride 5
• Avoid brushing immediately after consuming acidic foods or beverages, as this can damage erosively softened enamel 2
• Do not use glycerin or lemon-glycerin swabs as they dry the mouth 1
• Avoid using hard-bristled toothbrushes that can damage gingival tissues 1
• Do not neglect interproximal cleaning—brushing alone cannot adequately clean between teeth 1

Evidence Quality Note

The recommendations for fluoride toothpaste concentration are supported by high-certainty evidence from systematic reviews showing dose-response effects, with 1000-1500 ppm fluoride demonstrating superior caries prevention compared to non-fluoride or low-fluoride formulations 4. The daily oral care protocols are derived from international consensus guidelines specifically designed for patients requiring intensive oral care 1.