Your Smile Deserves Daily Attention — Not Just Twice a Year
At Bloomfield Dental, one of the most common things we hear from patients is some variation of: “I know I should be doing more at home.” And we get it — life is busy. Between work, family, and everything else on your plate, it can be easy to rush through your morning routine or skip flossing at night. But here’s the truth: the care you give your teeth and gums between appointments plays just as big a role in your long-term dental health as the time you spend in our chair.
Dr. Kessler and Dr. Yarmark have spent years getting to know the families of Drexel Hill, Springfield, Havertown, and the greater Philadelphia area. One thing that consistently shows up in healthier mouths is a simple, consistent home routine — not a complicated one. You don’t need a medicine cabinet full of products. You need the right habits, done consistently. Here’s what we recommend.
Brush Thoroughly, Not Just Quickly
Brushing twice a day is non-negotiable, but how you brush matters just as much as how often. Most people brush for about 45 seconds — far less than the two full minutes that dentists recommend. When you rush, you miss the spots along the gumline and between teeth where plaque loves to hide and harden into tartar. Tartar can only be removed professionally, which is exactly why keeping up with your cleanings matters too.
We recommend a soft-bristled toothbrush — electric or manual — with a fluoride toothpaste. Hold your brush at a 45-degree angle to the gumline and use short, gentle strokes. Don’t forget the backs of your teeth and your tongue, which harbors bacteria that contribute to bad breath. If you’ve been using the same toothbrush for more than three months, it’s time for a new one.
Make Flossing a Non-Negotiable Part of Your Night
We know — everyone says they floss more than they actually do. No judgment here. But flossing truly is one of the most powerful things you can do for your gum health, and skipping it means leaving about 35% of each tooth’s surface completely uncleaned. Plaque that accumulates between teeth is a primary driver of gum disease, which affects far more than just your mouth — research has linked chronic gum disease to increased risks of heart disease, diabetes complications, and other systemic conditions.
If traditional floss feels cumbersome, try floss picks or a water flosser. The goal is to disrupt the bacterial buildup between teeth before it has a chance to cause inflammation. Just once a day — ideally at night before brushing — makes a meaningful difference. Many of our patients who commit to nightly flossing report noticeably less bleeding and sensitivity at their next cleaning.
Rinse Smart: The Role of Mouthwash in Your Routine
Mouthwash isn’t a replacement for brushing and flossing — but used correctly, it adds a meaningful layer of protection. An antibacterial rinse helps reduce the bacterial load in your mouth, reaching areas that brushing and flossing can’t always get to. A fluoride rinse, on the other hand, strengthens enamel and is particularly helpful for patients who are prone to cavities or who have areas of sensitivity.
Not sure which type is right for you? That’s exactly the kind of question we love to answer during your visit. The right mouthwash depends on your specific needs — whether that’s cavity prevention, gum health, dry mouth relief, or fresh breath. Ask us at your next appointment and we’ll point you in the right direction.
Watch What You Eat and Drink
Your diet has a direct impact on your dental health, and this goes beyond just avoiding candy. Sugary and acidic foods and beverages — including sports drinks, citrus juices, and even sparkling water — can erode enamel over time. Sticky foods like dried fruit or chewy candy cling to teeth and give bacteria a longer window to feed and produce acid. Frequent snacking throughout the day, even on seemingly healthy foods, keeps your mouth in a more acidic state and increases cavity risk.
Water is the best thing you can drink for your teeth, especially fluoridated tap water. It rinses away food particles, helps neutralize acid, and keeps saliva production high. Saliva is actually one of your mouth’s most important natural defenses — it contains minerals that help remineralize enamel and proteins that fight harmful bacteria. If you struggle with dry mouth, let us know. It’s more common than people realize and very treatable.
Don’t Skip Your Checkups — Even When Everything Feels Fine
This one might feel obvious coming from a dental office, but it bears repeating: most dental problems — cavities, gum disease, oral cancer, cracked teeth — don’t hurt in their early stages. By the time something becomes uncomfortable or noticeable, it’s often more involved to treat than it would have been caught early. Regular checkups at Bloomfield Dental aren’t just about cleaning your teeth; they’re about catching small issues before they become big ones.
We also know that dental anxiety is real, and that some patients avoid coming in because of past negative experiences. Dr. Kessler and Dr. Yarmark have built this practice around a different kind of experience — one where you’re genuinely heard, never rushed, and always treated with care. If it’s been a while since your last visit, we’d love to welcome you back without any judgment. We’re here to help, not lecture.
Your Partners in Dental Health in Drexel Hill
Good dental health isn’t something that just happens during a twice-yearly appointment — it’s the result of small, consistent choices made every day. The great news is that with the right habits in place, maintaining a healthy smile doesn’t have to feel like a chore. It just becomes part of how you take care of yourself.
Whether you’re due for a routine cleaning, have a question about your home routine, or simply want to get back on track after a gap in care, our team at Bloomfield Dental is here for you. We serve patients throughout Drexel Hill, Springfield, Havertown, Lansdowne, Upper Darby, and the greater Philadelphia area. Call us at (610) 284-4770 or book your appointment online — we’d love to see you soon.