If you're honest – how often do you really take the time for your teeth?
I sometimes ask this jokingly in my practice, and the most frequent answer is:
„"I clean every day, that's enough, isn't it?"“
Yes, daily brushing of teeth is important – but a good one Dental care routine means much more.
It includes the When, how, with what and why dental care – and can determine over decades whether your teeth remain healthy or problems arise.
I remember Mr. K., a 35-year-old patient with perfect brushing discipline – twice daily, always with an electric brush.
Nevertheless, he had bleeding gums and the beginnings of periodontitis.
Why? His routine was thorough, but not quite right. A few minor adjustments – and after a few months, the gums were healthy again.
This shows: It's not the frequency, but the right technique. and a conscious ritual makes all the difference.
What does "dental care routine" actually mean?
One Dental care routine is your personal system to keep teeth, gums and oral cavity healthy in the long term.
This includes:
- Daily tooth brushing (done correctly!)
- Cleaning between teeth (e.g. with dental floss or interdental brushes)
- Rinsing and tongue cleaning
- Nutrition and lifestyle
- Regular check-ups and preventative care appointments at the dentist
That sounds like a lot, but it can be wonderfully integrated into everyday life – like a wellness ritual for the mouth.
Morning dental care routine: The perfect start to the day
1. Drink water first – not coffee.
After waking up, your mouth is dry, the pH level is low, and bacteria are active.
A glass of water helps to stimulate saliva production and balance the oral flora.
However, coffee or orange juice immediately after waking up can attack tooth enamel, especially if you brush your teeth right afterwards.
2. The right time to brush your teeth
Many people believe that you have to clean right after breakfast.
It is better to, before breakfast or at least 30 minutes afterwards.
Acidic foods (fruit juices, yogurt, bread) temporarily soften tooth enamel – and if you brush immediately afterwards, you rub it away.
3. The correct cleaning technique
Recommended: The „Modified Bass Method“
- Position the brush at a 45° angle to the gums.
- small, circular movements
- Gentle pressure – do not scrub!
- Two to three teeth at a time
- from red to white (i.e., from gum to tooth)
A little tip from practical experience:
Imagine you massage Your teeth – don't scrub them.
Many patients with gum problems press too hard when brushing. This can do more harm than good.
4. Toothpaste with fluoride – yes or no?
The short answer: Yes.
Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel, protects against cavities and is completely safe in the correct dosage.
Pay attention to approximately 1,450 ppm fluoride with adult toothpaste.
Those with sensitive teeth can also use Toothpastes containing potassium nitrate or hydroxyapatite They soothe exposed tooth necks.
5. Don't forget the tongue
Bacteria that can cause bad breath accumulate on the tongue.
An tongue scraper or the back of the toothbrush helps to gently remove plaque.
Evening dental care routine: Your daily mini-detox ritual
Nighttime is the most dangerous time for your teeth.
Saliva flow is reduced, making it easy for bacteria to thrive.
That is why the Evening routine the most important part of the dental care routine.
1. Clean the spaces between your teeth
Whether you use dental floss or an interdental brush – this step is crucial.
Approximately 40 % of the tooth surfaces are not reached with a toothbrush.
When to use dental floss, when to use a dental brush?
- Closely spaced teeth: dental floss
- Slightly larger gaps: Interdental brushes (try different sizes)
Tip: Use a little fluoride toothpaste on the brushes – this increases the protection.
I once had a patient who said, laughing:
„"Flossing is my sport – I forget it as often as my gym membership!"“
We turned it into a game: every evening before going to sleep, a reminder on our phones. After a month, it was routine.
2. Second brushing of teeth
Here too, the rule is: gentle, thorough, approximately two minutes.
In the evenings, you should use a soft or medium toothbrush.
In cases of sensitive gums or inflammation, electric sonic toothbrushes especially effective.
3. Mouthwash – yes, but targeted
Many people use mouthwash without knowing what it's for.
In fact, one should Mouthwash to be specifically chosen:
- with fluoride: for caries prophylaxis
- with chlorhexidine: in case of inflammation (but only temporarily, as it can discolor teeth)
- with herbal extracts: in case of sensitive gums or bad breath
Use them after cleaning, not before – otherwise you'll wash away the fluoride protection.
Weekly extras for your dental care routine
1. Professional teeth cleaning (at least 2 times a year)
Even with perfect routine, deposits remain in hard-to-reach places.
One Prophylaxis session The dentist gently removes it and helps to prevent gum inflammation.
Many patients say after cleaning:
„"My teeth haven't felt this smooth in years!"“
This is a sign that your routine is working – and that you're doing everything right.
2. Remove tartar
Tartar forms from plaque that calcifies.
Regular professional removal prevents inflammation and ensures fresh breath.
3. Change toothpaste and brushes regularly.
- Toothbrush: every 2-3 months or after a cold
- Attachments for electric brushes: every 3-4 months
- Toothpaste: alternate (e.g., fluoride + sensitive variant)
This keeps your routine varied and effective.
The psychology behind a good dental care routine
Humans are creatures of habit.
If dental care remains a bothersome chore, it quickly falls by the wayside.
That's why it's so important that your routine a good feeling triggers.
Here are some tips on how to achieve this:
1. Ritual instead of duty
Create a fixed time, music, or scent that you associate with your routine.
This turns a "must" into a "I'm doing something good for myself" moment.
2. Reward yourself
Good oral hygiene is a success – and should be celebrated.
How about a new smile in the mirror or a little moment of well-being afterwards?
3. Think long-term
Good teeth are not a given – but the result of daily care.
Every minute of dental care saves on expensive and unpleasant treatments later.
I often say to my patients:
„"Teeth are like a garden: those who take care of them daily will enjoy them for a long time."“
Nutrition as part of your dental care routine
Many people underestimate how much diet affects teeth.
1. Low-sugar diet
Sugar is the favorite fuel of caries bacteria.
Avoid frequent snacking or sugary drinks between meals.
2. Cavity killers: cheese, nuts, vegetables
These foods neutralize acids, stimulate saliva production, and provide important minerals such as calcium and phosphate.
3. Low-acid drinks
Water is your best friend.
Avoid constantly sipping on soft drinks or fruit juices – this attacks the tooth enamel.
4. Vitamin D and Calcium
These nutrients are essential for strong teeth and healthy gums.
A walk in the fresh air and a balanced diet are the best complement to your dental care routine.
Technical aids: Dental care routine 2.0
Modern dental care is digital, efficient, and smart.
Electric toothbrush or sonic toothbrush?
Sonic toothbrushes clean particularly gently and thoroughly – ideal for sensitive gums.
Pay attention to:
- integrated timer
- Pressure sensor
- several cleaning programs
Teeth cleaning apps and timers
Apps help to maintain the correct duration or to improve technique.
An acoustic signal every 30 seconds serves as a reminder to clean all quadrants evenly.
Interdental showers
They rinse away food debris and bacteria from between the teeth – ideal as a supplement, but not a replacement for dental floss.
Natural dental care – sensible or just marketing?
In recent years, natural dental care products have boomed: activated charcoal, coconut oil, essential oils.
Not everything that sounds "natural" is automatically good for your teeth.
Activated charcoal toothpaste
It can whiten teeth in the short term, but overuse can wear away tooth enamel.
Oil pulling
Rinsing with coconut or sesame oil in the morning is an old Ayurvedic custom.
It can help reduce bacteria, but it does not replace brushing your teeth.
herbal toothpaste
Pleasantly mild, but pay attention to the fluoride content – otherwise the most important protection against cavities will be missing.
My conclusion:
„"Natural products are wonderful when they additionally do not work instead of the basic routine."“
Dental care routine at every stage of life
Children and young people
Here, fun is key: colored brushes, music while cleaning, practicing together.
Parents should clean up after their children until they are about 9 years old.
Adult
Focus on gum health and prophylaxis.
Regular checks every 6–12 months are mandatory.
Senior citizens
Dentures, implants and dry mouth require adapted care:
- Moist mouthwashes without alcohol
- special brushes for implants
- regular professional cleaning
How to maintain your dental care routine long-term
The most common challenge is not that How, but that Stick with it.
Here are my best tips from 20 years of practical experience:
- Link routines to fixed times of day (after breakfast, before going to bed)
- Toothbrushing playlist: 2 minutes of favorite song – time flies
- Family ritualCleaning together strengthens motivation
- View a visit to the dentist as a wellness experience – Cleaning, control, good feeling
- Positive reinforcementA clean mouthfeel equals a sense of accomplishment.
A little anecdote to conclude.
A few months ago, a patient came in, let's call her Nadia, for routine check-ups.
As she sat down, she grinned:
„"I now have a proper dental care routine! Every evening, music on, timer, dental floss – everything!"“
The result: no tartar, no bleeding gums, healthy teeth.
And she said with pride:
„"I never thought brushing my teeth could be so much fun."“
That's exactly what it's about: Routine that brings joy.
Conclusion: Your dental care routine – small, consistent, big impact
A good one Dental care routine It's not magic.
It's the small, daily habits that make the difference in the long run:
Regular brushing, clean interdental spaces, good nutrition and regular check-ups.
You only need to invest a few minutes each day – and you'll gain a healthy, radiant smile for life.
If you are unsure whether your routine is optimal, please contact us.
We'd love to show you how you can improve your dental care in a very personal way – with simple tips, modern aids and a friendly smile.
Because: "Teeth don't need perfection – they need attention."„
Would you like to optimize your dental care routine? Schedule an appointment today. consultation and take the first step! 😊
