Most dental professionals and their families take a few extra steps at home to keep their smiles healthy and beautiful. That goes for all of us here at Dr. Frahm’s office, and we thought we’d share a few of the ways we care for our teeth at home.
5 rules dentists swear by for home care
1. We use electric or sonic toothbrushes
It’s important to know how to brush your teeth correctly to remove plaque and keep gums healthy. We always wait 30 minutes after eating before we brush. We brush a minimum of twice a day, and most of us sneak in a gentle brush 30 – 45 minutes after lunch. If you need to quickly brush up (ahem) on your technique, ask Stacey, our dental hygienist next time you come in or read more in our Healthy Home Care blog.
But, not all toothbrushes are created equal. That’s why we all use electric or sonic toothbrushes. We can confirm what the studies have proven: the vibration and rotation of these toothbrushes are more successful at cleaning teeth and reducing gingivitis. Even though they cost more than a regular toothbrush, the oral health benefits are worth it in the long run. Best of all, both styles are available in kid size and styles to make brushing more fun for all of the members of your family.
2. We floss every day
We always floss at least once a day to get at food that can’t be reached with a toothbrush alone. There are lots of flosses out there, so it’s easy to find one that works for you. Our personal favorite is a brand called Cocofloss because it’s all organic and softer than other flosses. It does a great job of scrubbing away plaque. Plus, it comes in really fun flavors like coconut, strawberry, and watermelon.
3. We drink water all day long
Sixty percent of our bodies are made up water, and by now, we’ve all heard the benefits of staying hydrated. Water also benefits our oral health because it helps us form saliva and washes out bacteria. We drink tap water all day long, and here in Monterey, fluoride occurs naturally in our groundwater which prevents tooth decay. You won’t find us drinking carbonated beverages, though. The acid in these drinks can strip enamel and lead to tooth decay.
4. We wear night guards
Somewhere between ten and twenty percent of people grind their teeth at night. This wears down tooth enamel and can fracture weak teeth, all while we dream the night away. All of us wear night guards to take care of our teeth while we sleep.
5. A few extra trade secrets
We also swear by a few other products that help strengthen teeth and improve dental hygiene.
- Before going to bed, we brush our teeth with MI paste which adds essential minerals like phosphate and calcium to help strengthen teeth and protect enamel. Our kids love it too since it comes in flavors like mint, strawberry, and tutti frutti.
- After brushing, we use a therapeutic, non-alcohol-based mouthwash to further reduce plaque and tartar buildup.
- If we are experiencing dry mouth, we use Biotène to increase saliva. Saliva helps wash away potentially harmful bacteria.
We encourage our patients to also practice good hygiene at home. You can find all of the products mentioned in our practice and online. If you are interested in being fitted for a nightguard, please contact Dr. Frahm at 831-372-8011. Our office is conveniently located at 660 Camino Aguajito #201 in Monterey, CA 93940.
