What Does Good Oral Hygiene Really Look Like?

We all know oral hygiene matters—but do we really know what good oral hygiene looks like? 

According to the National Library of Medicine, over 40% of adults over 30 in the U.S. have some stage of gum disease. Meanwhile, the  National Institue of Dental and Craniofacial Research reports that nearly 90% of adults aged 20 to 64 have experienced some form of tooth decay. 

Most of us like to think we’re doing a decent job with our daily dental routine, but the numbers suggest otherwise. At Light Dental Studios, we’re here to help patients feel confident in their oral health habits. That’s why we’re breaking down the basics of a dentist-approved oral hygiene routine—from brushing and flossing to everyday habits that keep your smile strong. 

Brushing: The Foundation of a Healthy Smile

Brushing is the cornerstone of any good dental hygiene routine, but what does it actually mean to brush properly? 

Let’s be honest: we’ve all had nights where a full two-minute brushing session turns into a quick 30-second scrub. But that shortcut allows plaque to remain near the gumline, where it can harden into tartar and lead to serious dental issues. 

American Dental Association: 

• Brushing twice a day for two full minutes 
• Using a soft-bristled brush 
• Angling your brush at 45 degrees toward the gumline 

Brushing gently along the gumline is especially important—this area can trap food, bacteria, and debris in tiny pockets. 

Quick Tip: 

If two minutes feels long, try singing the alphabet song four times—once for each quadrant of your mouth. Little brain hacks like this can help form strong habits that stick. 

If you’re using a manual toothbrush, go for small circular motions. If you have an electric toothbrush, let it do most of the work, but don’t zone out—make sure you’re reaching: 

• Outer surfaces 
• Inner surfaces 
• Chewing (occlusal) surfaces 
• Your tongue (a major spot for bacteria buildup!) 

And here’s a pro tip many people miss: 
After brushing, spit—don’t rinse. 
Why? Toothpaste contains fluoride and other beneficial ingredients. Rinsing immediately washes those away before they’ve had time to work. 

After your nighttime brushing, don’t eat or drink anything besides water. 
Any food or drink fuels bacteria (aka “sugar bugs”), which produce harmful acid, especially while you sleep. During the night, our salivary glands sleep too, which means any acid from the bacteria is more concentrated and sticks around longer, making it much more damaging to our teeth 

Flossing: The Unsung Hero of Oral Hygiene 

We’ve all been there—at the dentist, answering, “Every day!” when asked if we floss (even if we haven’t in weeks). Often, it takes bleeding gums or your first cavity to truly appreciate the importance of flossing. 

The truth? Flossing just once a day can make a huge difference in long-term oral health. 

We recommend traditional string floss, wrapped around your fingers and shaped into a gentle C curve around each tooth. This motion scoops out the plaque and debris your toothbrush can’t reach. 

If you don’t love string floss—whether due to dexterity or preference—floss picks are a great alternative. Just make sure to: 

• Use one pick for your upper teeth and another for your lower teeth to avoid cross-contamination 
• Keep a tissue nearby to wipe off plaque between each tooth to ensure you aren’t transferring debris around your mouth! These small steps help ensure a cleaner, more effective flossing routine when opting for a pick. 

Mouthwash: Helpful, But Not a Must 

Mouthwash (or mouth rinse) isn’t required for perfect oral hygiene, but it can be a great addition. 

The American Dental Association divides  mouthwashes into two categories: 

1. Cosmetic Mouthwash 

Freshens breath and temporarily reduces odor-causing bacteria. 

2. Therapeutic Mouthwash 

Targets specific issues, such as: 

• Strengthening enamel 
• Reducing plaque 
• Easing symptoms of gingivitis or gum disease 

Some therapeutic rinses are even prescribed by our doctors after certain procedures. 

Just remember: mouthwash is a bonus, not a substitute for brushing and flossing. If you add one to your routine, choose one with the ADA Seal of Acceptance and do your research to ensure that it suits your personal dental needs. 

Daily Habits That Impact Oral Health 

Taking care of your teeth isn’t just about what happens in the morning and at night. Your eating and drinking habits throughout the day play a huge role in your oral health. 

Problematic Habits Include: 

• Sipping drinks (especially sugary or acidic ones) for extended periods 
• Frequent snacking 

Why? These habits give “sugar bug” bacteria a continuous food supply, allowing them to produce more acid, which lowers your mouth’s pH. When your mouth becomes too acidic, it sets the stage for: 

• Cavities 
• Plaque and tartar buildup 
• Gum disease 

Healthy Habit Tip: 
If you’re a frequent snacker, rinse with water after eating. 
A big swig and swish, just like you would with mouthwash, helps wash away debris and neutralize acid. 

But don’t brush after every snack. 
Brushing too often (especially right after acidic foods) can wear down enamel, which softens temporarily after eating. If you’d like to brush during the day, aim for once after your main midday meal, and wait30–60 minutes before doing so. 

Bonus Tip: 

According to the University of Chicago Illinois, sipping water throughout the day is one of the easiest and most effective ways to support oral health. It helps: 

• Rinse away bacteria and food particles 
• Reduce dry mouth 
• Improve bad breath