Dental Prevention: 5 Simple Habits to Keep Your Teeth Healthy

Adopting good oral hygiene habits every day is the best way to prevent common issues such as cavities, gingivitis, or periodontal disease. When it comes to oral health, prevention plays a vital role — and it starts with simple steps that anyone can integrate into their daily routine.

In this article, we guide you through the key habits of dental prophylaxis, to practice daily or during your dental visits.

1. Brushing Your Teeth: the Number One Habit

Proper brushing remains the cornerstone of oral hygiene. Done twice a day for two minutes using a soft-bristled toothbrush and a fluoride toothpaste (at least 1450 ppm), brushing helps remove plaque and reduce tartar buildup.

Don’t forget to gently brush your tongue as well — it’s often overlooked but harbors many bacteria.

2. Dental Floss and Interdental Brushes: Must-Haves Alongside Brushing

Even with thorough brushing, it's impossible to clean every area between the teeth. Daily use of dental floss or interdental brushes helps reduce residue buildup and prevent gum inflammation and cavities between the teeth.

We recommend high-quality options such as Oral-B Pro-Expert floss, known for its strength and pleasant minty taste. Inava’s black floss is also a great choice, as it lets you see the plaque you’re removing — a great way to monitor your progress. For interdental brushes, GUM offers reliable, comfortable, and effective products.

3. Regular Scaling: A Key Step to a Healthy Smile

Even with excellent hygiene, a bit of tartar often manages to form. A professional dental cleaning every 6 to 12 months, depending on your needs, effectively removes it. This is often followed by air polishing, which smooths the tooth surfaces and helps prevent new plaque buildup.

These preventive care measures are part of a broader approach to dental prophylaxis that pays off in the long term.

f you experience discomfort between appointments, you can consult our tips on how to manage a dental emergency.

4. Diet: An Unexpected Ally for Your Dental Health

Your diet directly impacts the health of your teeth. Reducing your intake of fermentable sugars (sodas, candies, frequent snacking) helps limit acid attacks on enamel. On the flip side, certain foods are actually beneficial:

• Raw vegetables and cheese, which stimulate saliva production,

• Water, which helps cleanse the mouth and neutralize acidity.

It's not about a strict diet, but finding a healthy balance that promotes a favorable oral environment.

5. Professional Fluoride: Strengthening Enamel Over Time

In addition to daily brushing, professional fluoride applications (varnishes or gels) applied at the dental office provide added protection, especially for patients at higher risk of cavities.

This treatment is quick, painless, and can be a valuable part of a personalized prevention strategy.

Why Dental Prophylaxis Makes a Difference

Incorporating these habits is an investment in long-term oral health and everyday comfort: fewer aches, fewer invasive treatments, and a lasting smile. Recent studies have even highlighted a connection between poor gum health and general conditions such as diabetes or cardiovascular disease.

In Summary

Whether you're looking to improve your routine or understand when to consult, these simple practices form a strong foundation. And if you have questions or specific needs, the team at Rodde & Associés, located in Schifflange, is here for you.

You can explore our treatments, learn more about our team, or simply contact us to ask a question or schedule an appointment tailored to your needs.