Top 10 Tips to Maintain Oral Hygiene Between Dentist Visits

Heather E. Martinson, DDS • September 12, 2024

The CDC recommends visiting your dentist at least once a year, even if you wear dentures or have lost teeth, to ensure your oral health stays in check.

While this may be ideal for some, how often you should go can depend on your oral health history, risk factors, and dental insurance coverage. Either way, how you care for your teeth between dentist visits matters.

So, what are the secrets to keeping your mouth healthy between visits? This guide covers essential oral hygiene instructions. Remember, your daily habits are the most important factor in your oral health, so take responsibility and start implementing these practices today.

1. Brush Twice a Day

As an individual interested in your oral health, you play a crucial role in maintaining it. One of the most basic and essential elements of your oral health routine is brushing your teeth twice daily. The American Dental Association recommends brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste for two minutes.

Regular brushing helps remove plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that may build up on teeth and, if not removed regularly, lead to cavities or gum disease.

A soft-bristled toothbrush is essential, as more rigid bristles can damage your gums and enamel. Fluoride toothpaste is also crucial because it strengthens your tooth enamel, making it more decay-resistant. Brushing both in the morning and before bed helps keep your mouth clean and healthy throughout the day and night.

2. Floss Once a Day

Flossing at least once a day helps remove leftover food particles between the teeth, which a typical toothbrush can't reach. If these areas are not cleaned properly, they can lead to gum disease and cavities. Here are dental care tips to help you floss effectively:

With about 18 inches of high-quality dental floss, wrap it around the fingers.
Gently slide the floss between the teeth, but be careful not to snap it into the gums.
Curve the dental floss into a "C" shape around each tooth and move it up and down to clean both sides.

It is crucial to be cautious and not floss too aggressively, as this can damage your gums. Over time, regular flossing can help prevent gum disease and reduce plaque buildup between your dental visits. It can even contribute to fresher breath.

3. Use a Mouthwash

Mouthwash is a wonderfully simple yet effective way to enhance your oral hygiene routine between dental visits. It's as easy as a swish and a spit, and it can help eliminate bacteria that brushing or flossing might miss. This reduces the likelihood of bad breath, gum disease, and plaque buildup. Plus, it's great for rinsing away leftover food particles and keeping your mouth feeling fresh.

However, mouthwash shouldn't replace brushing and flossing. It's an extra step to improve your oral and overall health. Always choose an alcohol-free mouthwash, as alcohol can dry out your mouth, and make sure it contains fluoride to protect your teeth.

4. Avoid Sugary Drinks

Sugary drinks (soda and fruit juice included) can cause tooth decay. The sugar in these drinks mixes with mouth bacteria, creating acids that harm your teeth. To protect your teeth, drink sugary beverages less often, use a straw and brush your teeth afterward.

5. Avoid Acidic Foods and Drinks

Acidic foods and drinks can harm the teeth, causing tooth erosion. As WebMD reports, tooth erosion occurs when acids wear away the enamel on teeth.

Here's a list of acidic foods and drinks you should be mindful of:

Citrus fruits like lemons, limes, and grapefruits
Soda and carbonated beverages
Vinegar-based foods like pickles and salad dressings

To prevent further damage, limit your intake of highly acidic foods and rinse your mouth with water after taking them. Chewing sugar-free gum can also help by stimulating saliva production, which neutralizes active acids in the mouth. Making small changes to your diet can go a long way in protecting your teeth from erosion and keeping your smile healthy.

6. Quit Smoking

Smoking harms your mouth, increasing the risk of gum disease and tooth loss. Quitting smoking improves daily dental hygiene and helps your gums heal. If quitting is hard, you can get help from a doctor or a stop-smoking program.

7. Stay Hydrated

Drinking lots of water is an easy way to keep your mouth clean. Water helps remove food and bacteria after you eat. It also helps your mouth make saliva, which keeps things balanced and clean. So, what are some innovative ways to stay hydrated besides just drinking water?

Eat water-rich fruits like watermelon, cucumbers, and oranges. Sip on herbal teas that are low in sugar and refreshing. Even better, add hydrating foods like soups and smoothies to your diet.

8. Follow a Healthy Diet

Eating a healthy diet helps keep teeth and gums strong. Foods like fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins provide the vitamins and minerals your mouth needs. A good diet also lowers the risk of gum disease and helps prevent oral issues.

9. Use a Tongue Scraper

A tongue scraper can help keep the entire mouth clean. It removes bacteria from your tongue, which can cause bad breath. Using it after brushing takes just a few seconds, leaving your mouth fresher.

10. Get a Mouthguard If You Grind Your Teeth

Grinding your teeth, known as bruxism, wears down the enamel, making your teeth sensitive and more likely to chip or crack. A mouthguard can protect the teeth from this damage. Here's how to find the right one for you:

Get a custom-fitted mouthguard from your dentist for the best fit and protection.
Try over-the-counter mouthguards that mold to your teeth for a more affordable option.
Choose soft, durable materials that provide comfort while sleeping.

A mouthguard can prevent long-term damage to the teeth and jaw. It is important to address bruxism early before it leads to more serious issues like headaches or jaw pain. Always talk to your dentist if you notice signs of grinding; they are the best source of advice for the most effective solution.

Get Started With Our Expert Oral Hygiene Instructions Today

Good oral hygiene between dental visits is vital to a healthy smile. Follow these simple oral hygiene instructions to help prevent common dental issues. Remember, your oral health matters, so take care of your teeth and gums daily.

Dr. Heather Martinson and her team at Heather E. Martinson, DDS in Arlington, TX, are ready to help you achieve a vibrant smile. With over 25 years of experience in general and preventive dentistry, Dr. Martinson is known for her personalized care, ensuring each patient's unique needs are met with proven treatments. You are not just another patient but an exceptional individual whose oral health is our top priority.

Discover the difference that expert dental care can make.

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Dr. Heather E. Martinson

D.D.S

Dr. Martinson has been serving patients and improving smiles through her work for the past 25 years. She attended both Southern University in Tennessee and the University of Texas at Arlington before earning her Doctor of Dental Surgery at Loma Linda University School of Dentistry in Southern California. She is a graduate of The Dawson Academy in Florida and the Schuster Center in Arizona, and has completed several cosmetic, implant and restorative continuing education courses. Dr. Martinson has also earned certification in the American Academy of Facial Esthetics. This allows her to provide Botox and dermal fillers to her dental patients.

The favorite part of Dr. Martinson’s job is being able to work closely with so many wonderful people and help them become healthier! And also help them to avoid heart attacks and strokes!

Dr. Martinson is married to Captain Myron Martinson (formerly a pilot with American Airlines). Together they have several 4-legged kiddos. When she is not busy at work, she enjoys bicycling, gardening, cooking, entertaining and traveling with family.

Dr. Martinson maintains active membership in the following professional organizations:

A dentist is looking at an x-ray of a person 's teeth.

The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Dental Implants Amid Bone Loss Concerns

By Heather E. Martinson, DDS • July 28, 2025

Can you get dental implants with bone loss? Find out if it's an option in Arlington, TX and how it might be a solution to maintaining bone health.

A man is getting his teeth examined by a dentist

What to Expect During Your First Dental Crown Appointment

By Heather E. Martinson, DDS • June 17, 2025

Are you preparing for a dental crown appointment? Learn what to expect during the tooth crown procedure as you take the first step toward a renewed smile.

The Dental Implant Process Explained

By Heather E. Martinson, DDS • May 21, 2025

Undergoing a comprehensive surgical procedure, such as a dental implant, can be a big step. Still, studies like one by Tobias et al. (2025) report over a 97% success rate , even after five years. These show that it can offer significant long-term benefits with a reasonable guarantee of retention. So, if you are searching for a reliable solution to a dental issue, Dr. Heather Martinson, DDS, may be the one to choose for state-of-the-art implant surgery, but what does it entail? Below, our dental implants guide describes the dental implant process step-by-step to help you understand and feel more comfortable getting the smile you want. Explore each stage, from the initial consultation to attaching the crown. Then, discover what you might want to discuss with Dr. Heather Martinson, DDS, to ensure you get the desired results. Why Dental Implants are Our Best Fix for Missing Teeth Unlike crowns or fillings, dental implants are not a simple cap on an existing tooth . Nor are they intended to be temporary. Instead, they replace both the tooth's root and crown , preserving the jawbone and structure of the face by offering a complete prosthetic that the body should accept as its own. Titanium posts integrate with the bone and offer a very stable foundation for chewing. This is one of the reasons studies such as those by Kupka et al (2024) have found that dental implants often last for decades, with 80% continuing to last for over 20 years. With crowns, you will still need to be careful of what you bite into in case the prosthetic detaches from the tooth. However, implants can often restore the full force of your bite. For this reason, Dr. Heather Martinson, DDS , and her team prefer to use these prostheses, eliminating several difficulties one might encounter with other options. How Gaps Affect Function and Appearance We understand that it can sometimes be tempting to leave tooth gaps as they are due to the perceived hassle of installing a new implant. However, missing teeth can drastically impact the mouth beyond issues with appearance or speech patterns, as it can cause the jawbone itself to start "sagging" where the tooth no longer exists. Teeth may also begin to shift position, leading to bite issues. Early restoration via a professionally-implanted denture can prevent this loss and maintain the face's proportions. Perfect for maintaining a youthful visage. Why Implants Outperform Bridges and Dentures Bridges and dentures are critical parts of a high-quality dentistry offering . However, they do not tend to last as long as an implant due to how implants preserve the underlying bone. This fact may go a long way towards explaining why the NIDCR in the US has recently discussed a " fourfold increase " in the number of adults receiving dental implants over two decades. Still, that doesn't mean discounting these options. If you feel a bridge or denture may be best for you, you should discuss your options with our dental team . Discuss the pros and cons of each option. In some cases, implant-supported dentures are also available , allowing for a combination of both. Dental Implant Process Step-by-Step at Heather Martinson DDS Our implant procedure steps combine: Consultations 3D imaging Surgical planning Continual checks for precision Constant coordination with colleagues Using these, we can ensure that your results are accurate and efficient. Initial Consultation and 3D Scan The first step is always to take a detailed medical and dental history . Using this, we can determine if you have any risk factors, such as smoking habits, that we need to be aware of so we can help maintain your safety. Then, we will assess how your jaw aligns to ensure we do not interfere with this. Our advanced scanner can capture 3-dimensional images of every part of your mouth for precision-planning, including: Jawbones Sinuses Nerve canals Details of prior surgery We can even use this to preview the final outcome before surgery, allowing you to understand the most likely results and give a go-ahead from a position of knowledge. Precise Implant Placement Before the final crown "tooth" can be placed in the jaw, you will require surgery to install the implant itself. This implant is the structure that sits in your jawbone, maintaining the visible crown's position while preventing it from moving. This step involves local anesthesia or other forms of sedation to ensure your comfort. Then, the dentist will create a path for your implant to sit within your jaw. The implant is up to 5mm in diameter and up to 13mm in length, meaning it is robust enough to prevent damage due to torsion or other forces. After the placement, the dentist will use sutures and a protective cap to shield the site. During this healing phase, the implant undergoes "osseointegration," which is the growth of bone cells around the implant surface. This process takes up to six months to ensure it integrates with the body. Once the dentist is sure that your body has accepted the implant, they will reveal the site of the implant and perform a scan to ensure that an external lab can produce a perfect crown for the area, matching your prior teeth as closely as possible. After the final attachment, you can review the tooth , offering feedback such as colour adjustments or determining whether it needs minor alteration to match your bite. Long-Term Implant Care The Arlington, TX, dental care experts can offer advice and guidance on the best steps to ensure that the implant lasts as long as possible and remains comfortable. However, should you need anything else , their clinic will be available for you to follow up, so ask them for more details on how you need to schedule follow-up appointments to ensure you get the best results. Take the Next Step with One of the Best Dentists in Arlington After learning the dental implant process step-by-step , you should understand what it entails and be able to make better healthcare decisions. With over 25 years of experience in Arlington, TX, we can ensure your treatment focuses on improving your dental health and restoring your natural and healthy beauty using the latest techniques and advances. If you want to investigate the possibility of an implant, remember that you can always request a free consultation with Heather Martinson, DDS. Following that, you should be able to begin your journey to regain your full chewing ability and a confident smile.