Oral Hygiene Basics

At Gables Exceptional Dentistry, we help patients throughout Coral Gables, FL maintain excellent oral health with a focus on preventative care. We take the time to get to know our patients and create personalized treatment plans for lifelong dental wellness and better overall health.

With only one set of adult teeth, preventative care is key to minimizing the risk of cavities, infections, and gum disease. We recommend professional teeth cleanings twice a year to remove plaque and tartar and keep your mouth clean and healthy. To schedule a visit, call (305) 614-2438.

In the meantime, here are steps that you can take at home to keep your mouth healthy:

How to Brush Your Teeth Properly

Brushing technique matters just as much as frequency. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to protect your gums and tooth enamel. Contrary to popular belief, a harder brush is not better. In fact, brushing too hard can damage your oral health. Being gentle is always the best policy.

Brush in a circular motion, starting at the gum line and moving inward. Work in quadrants, brushing each section for at least 30 seconds. Use gentle, even pressure and a fluoride toothpaste for extra cavity protection. For the best results, brush three times a day — morning, after lunch, and before bed. Replace your toothbrush every three months or sooner if the bristles are frayed, stained, or smell bad or you have been sick with a contagious illness, like the flu or COVID.

Flossing Is Essential for Your Teeth and Gums

At Gables Exceptional Dentistry, we recommend daily flossing to remove plaque and food particles from between teeth — places your toothbrush can’t reach. Skipping this step can lead to gum disease, which affects your oral and overall health. If traditional floss is difficult to use, try disposable plastic flossers for easier handling.

For a professional cleaning, schedule an appointment with our Coral Gables, FL team.

Selecting the Right Mouthwash

For excellent oral hygiene at home, we recommend using mouthwash after you brush and floss your teeth. Always choose a sugar-free mouthwash, preferably one with fluoride, to strengthen teeth and kill lingering bacteria. You may want to carry a small bottle with you to use after meals, sodas, or coffee. Mouthwash is an easy way to protect your teeth when you cannot brush your teeth after a meal or snack. Plus, your breath will stay fresh all day when you rinse with mouthwash regularly.

How to Prevent Tooth Decay

Tooth decay begins when plaque, filled with harmful acids, erodes the enamel. Removing plaque by brushing and flossing is your best defense against decay. When brushing is not possible, rinse with water after eating to help wash away food particles and sugars. Eating a balanced diet also supports oral health because everything you eat affects your teeth.

Of course, visiting Gables Exceptional Dentistry at least every six months for a professional cleaning and examination will also help you keep tooth decay from damaging your beautiful smile. Call our dental office in Coral Gables, FL to schedule an appointment.

Fluoride Facts

At Gables Exceptional Dentistry, we are a family dentist office that uses fluoride regularly. We recommend that all of our young patients under 18 have a fluoride treatment at least once a year. Yearly fluoride treatments at our Coral Gables, FL dental office reduce the risk of getting cavities by 30%, which is significant when you consider that tooth decay is one of the primary reasons children miss days from school.

Adults can also benefit from annual fluoride treatments. Call (305) 614-2438 to schedule an appointment. Applying fluoride only takes a minute and has no odor. We normally apply fluoride during a routine dental checkup. It is one of the easiest ways to prevent cavities.

Choosing the Right Toothbrush

At Gables Exceptional Dentistry in Coral Gables, FL, we provide our patients with a soft toothbrush at each visit and recommend replacing it every three months. For the best clean, consider using a battery-powered or electric toothbrush, which helps remove more plaque with rotating brush heads. Always make sure your replacement brush heads have soft bristles and use the most gentle setting to avoid damaging your teeth and gums.

Food and Drinks You Should Avoid

What you eat has a direct effect on your oral health. For better oral hygiene, limit sugary drinks like soda, juice, and coffee, as well as candy — especially sour treats — and acidic fruits. Sugar and acid feed harmful, plaque-causing bacteria and wear down tooth enamel. Instead, eat foods that support oral health, including:

Leafy greens
Lean proteins
Dairy
Nuts

Questions Answered on This Page

Q. Is flossing really important for my teeth?

Q. How can I prevent tooth decay?

Q. What is the best toothbrush for my teeth?

Schedule an Appointment

The right balance of foods and good oral hygiene habits will support lifelong oral health and wellness. For more tips, call (305) 614-2438 and schedule an appointment to speak with Dr. Mirtha Amador.