Daily Oral Care Routine Chart

Daily oral care is a small but valuable investment of just a few minutes of your time. A routine followed in three stages — morning, throughout the day, and night — forms the foundation of a healthy smile.

Mornings should start with tongue cleaning, since most bad breath originates from the tongue, followed by two minutes of brushing with fluoride toothpaste about 30 minutes after breakfast, and optionally an alcohol-free mouthwash to finish.

During the day, rinsing your mouth with water after meals or coffee helps balance acid levels and reduce staining; chewing sugar-free gum to boost saliva flow is also a helpful habit.

Nighttime is the most important cleaning stage, since saliva flow decreases at night, giving bacteria the perfect environment to multiply. Start with floss or an interdental brush to clean areas a toothbrush can't reach, then brush thoroughly at a 45-degree angle along the gum line with circular motions, and add a water flosser to the routine if you have an implant or bridge.

Replacing your toothbrush every three months, paying close attention to which area you're brushing, and visiting the dentist every six months round out this daily routine. No matter how careful you are, professional checkups remain essential for catching early-stage cavities that aren't visible to the eye.