These 10 terrific tooth tips from Southern York Smile Care are small, practical habits that help keep your smile healthy and beautiful. At our Shrewsbury, PA office, the dental health of our patients is always our first concern. Try one or two this week and build from there.
None of these tips replace regular checkups, but each one makes a real difference between visits. Together, they help prevent cavities, protect your gums and keep your enamel strong.
Tips for better brushing and flossing
1. Brush for a full two minutes
Most people brush for far less time than they think. Set a timer, use an electric brush with a built-in timer, or play a short song. Spend about 30 seconds on each quarter of your mouth, cleaning the outer, inner and chewing surfaces. Be thorough but gentle: a soft brush and light pressure clean well without wearing enamel or irritating gums.
2. Don't forget your tongue
The rough surface of your tongue is a cozy home for bacteria. Those bacteria add to plaque and are a common cause of bad breath. Brush your tongue from back to front, or use a tongue scraper, each time you brush. Our article on bad breath treatment explains other causes worth checking.
3. Floss before you brush
Flossing first loosens plaque and food between teeth, so your toothbrush and toothpaste can reach those spaces afterward. Whatever order you choose, the most important thing is to clean between your teeth once a day. If string floss is awkward, try floss picks, small interdental brushes or a water flosser.
Tips for eating and drinking
4. Chew sugar-free gum with xylitol
If you cannot brush after a meal, chewing sugar-free gum helps. Chewing increases saliva, which rinses away food and neutralizes acid. Gum sweetened with xylitol may also help curb the growth of decay-causing bacteria and reduce plaque. Keep xylitol products away from dogs, since it is toxic to them.
5. Eat carbohydrates with meals, not alone as snacks
Your mouth makes more saliva during a full meal, which helps lessen the effect of starches and sugars sitting on your teeth. Snacking on crackers, chips or sweets between meals keeps your teeth bathed in acid for longer. If you do snack, choose cheese, nuts, plain yogurt or crunchy vegetables, and sip water afterward. Read more in Are All Carbs Created Equal?
Tips for extra protection
6. Strengthen young teeth
Minerals help harden enamel, both on the teeth you can see and on the adult teeth still forming in the jaw. If you have children and your water supply does not contain the recommended level of fluoride, talk to your child's doctor about fluoride supplements. Families who prefer a holistic approach can ask about remineralization varnish instead. Southern York Smile Care offers remineralization varnish for holistic patients and fluoride for patients who want it.
7. Use a protective rinse at bedtime
A fluoride rinse used right before bed adds an extra layer of protection against decay. It works best when swished over your teeth for at least 30 seconds after you floss and brush. After spitting it out, don't rinse with water, so the residue can protect and strengthen your enamel overnight. This is helpful for kids too; just make sure they are old enough not to swallow it. A rinse is not the same as a cosmetic mouthwash, which mainly freshens breath. Our article on oral rinses for kids has more detail.
Tips for health conditions that affect your mouth
8. Manage diabetes with your dentist in the loop
Research shows that unhealthy blood sugar levels raise the risk of tooth decay and gum disease, and that gum disease can in turn make blood sugar harder to control. If you have diabetes, tell your dentist, keep up with regular cleanings, and watch for bleeding or swollen gums. Your dentist can help you keep your mouth healthy in spite of your condition. Learn about gum disease treatments at our office.
9. Take dry mouth seriously
Chronic dry mouth, called xerostomia, is more than uncomfortable. Steady saliva keeps the mouth moist, washes food off your teeth and neutralizes the acid made by plaque. Without it, cavities can form quickly, especially along the gumline. Decongestants, blood pressure medicines, antidepressants and pain relievers are among the many medications that can cause dry mouth. Sip water often, chew sugar-free gum, limit caffeine and alcohol, and let us know about any medications you take. We can help you protect your teeth if you live with this condition. See why dry mouth is dangerous for more.
A tip for active smiles
10. Wear a mouthguard for sports
A mouthguard is one of the simplest ways to prevent chipped, broken or knocked-out teeth. It helps in contact sports such as football, hockey, lacrosse and basketball, and in activities like skateboarding and biking. Store-bought guards are better than nothing, but a guard that fits well is more comfortable, so it is more likely to stay in. Ask your dentist about a well-fitted guard for you or your child.
If you clench or grind your teeth at night, a different kind of guard can protect your enamel while you sleep. See our bite guards page.
Put these tips into practice
Ten tips can feel like a lot at once. Here is one simple way to fit most of them into a normal day:
- Morning: Brush for two minutes, including your tongue, and drink a glass of water.
- Meals: Eat your starches and sweets with meals rather than as separate snacks.
- After lunch: If you cannot brush, rinse with water and chew a piece of sugar-free gum.
- Through the day: Choose water over soda, sports drinks or sweet coffee drinks.
- Evening: Floss, brush for two minutes, then use a protective rinse and don't rinse it away.
- Game day: Pack the mouthguard with the rest of the gear.
Replace your toothbrush every three to four months, or sooner if the bristles fray or after you have been sick. And if anything in your mouth changes, such as a sore that does not heal within two weeks, a tooth that becomes sensitive, or gums that bleed, call rather than waiting for your next checkup.
Healthy habits at home work best alongside regular professional care. At Southern York Smile Care, every cleaning is a full 60 minutes, and Dr. Steven Haywood uses digital X-rays, with up to 90% less radiation, and DIAGNOdent cavity detection to find problems early. The office is mercury-free and uses tooth-colored, BPA-free white fillings. We provide gentle care for children and adults, including preventive, restorative and cosmetic dentistry.
If you are looking for a caring dentist in Shrewsbury or southern York County, call (717) 235-3871 or request an appointment. Oral sedation is available if you feel nervous about visits.
DDS cum laude 1987, US Air Force residency, NYU cosmetic training and Fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists, with 35+ years in practice.
Meet Dr. Haywood →
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