Going to the dentist is an important aspect of maintaining strong oral hygiene, but developing a solid home care routine is equally crucial to the health of your teeth and gums. You likely already know the basics–brushing and flossing–but there are a few other tactics you can enlist to optimize dental wellness. Here, Arrow Dental Care in Saint Peters, MO, shares some of their best tips for acing your at-home routine.

At-Home Oral Care Tips Recommended by Dentists

1. Brush With Care

It’s not just brushing itself you should worry about, but also the way you go about doing so. Brushing too hard can actually have an adverse effect on enamel and gums, so be sure to use a light touch. Try brushing with your non-dominant hand.

2. Floss Properly

Like brushing, many patients could also use a refresher on their flossing technique. Simply sliding the floss in between each tooth isn’t enough to extract stubborn plaque. Instead, take the time to gently wrap the floss around the base of each tooth for better plaque-fighting results.

3. Incorporate Mouthwash

One often-overlooked step in the dental care process is using mouthwash. Rinsing with a mouthwash approved by your dental care team can help eliminate potentially harmful bacteria, while also getting rid of any excess food particles.

4. Ask Before Whitening

Many dental patients take whitening into their own hands and use store-bought strips or gels at home. It’s wise to check in with your dentist before whitening to ask about safe practices, such as how often you should whiten. They may even recommend professional-grade, custom-fit kits for added comfort and more powerful results.

5. Never Ignore a Toothache

Lastly, though perhaps most importantly, a final at-home care tip to consider is to never ignore any ache, sharp pain, or other new symptom in your teeth or gums. Catching dental issues at the earliest stage possible makes it easier for dentists to provide the least invasive forms of treatment.

If you’re located in St. Peters, MO, and want high-quality dental care, make Arrow Dental Care your go-to practice. With a broad range of services, more than a decade of experience, and two convenient locations, this dentist’s office has everything patients need to maintain a lifetime of oral wellness. Call the office at (636) 441-6999 to schedule an appointment, or contact the team through their website.