Preventive Dental Care at Home

At The Dental Retreat, we believe great dental care begins at home. By establishing simple, effective habits, you can take charge of your oral health and prevent common issues like cavities and gum disease. We're here to guide you every step of the way, from selecting the right tools to mastering the best techniques for you and your family.

Building a Healthy Routine

If you have any questions or concerns about your oral hygiene routine, or if something doesn’t feel quite right, talk to your hygienist at your next cleaning for personalized tips and guidance.

  • Keeping your teeth and gums clean is essential for maintaining good oral health. Here's a step-by-step guide to effective brushing:

    1. Choose the Right Brush: Use a soft or medium-bristle toothbrush or an electric toothbrush. Apply medium pressure to avoid damaging your enamel or gums.

    2. Angle and Motion: Position the brush at a 45-degree angle where your teeth meet your gums. Use small, circular motions to gently clean the outer surfaces of your teeth.

    3. Cover All Surfaces: Brush the insides of your teeth thoroughly. For the inside surfaces of your front teeth, hold the brush vertically and use an up-and-down motion.

    4. Clean Biting Surfaces: Use short, gentle strokes to clean the chewing surfaces of your teeth.

    5. Promote Gum Health: Brush along your gumline gently to stimulate circulation and maintain gum health.

    6. Rinse Thoroughly: Rinse your mouth well to remove loosened plaque and food particles.

  • We all say we floss regularly… Don’t worry, we’re not judging—but we are here to help you master it! Flossing is critical for removing plaque and food debris from areas your toothbrush can’t reach. Here's the right way to do it:

    1. Length and Grip: Start with about 18 inches of floss. Wrap most of it around one middle finger and the rest around the other.

    2. Gentle Insertion: Carefully slide the floss between your teeth using a back-and-forth motion—avoid snapping it in place.

    3. The C-Shape: Curve the floss around one tooth and gently slide it up and down to clean both the tooth and the gumline.

    4. Repeat: Use a fresh section of floss for each space to ensure thorough cleaning.

    Prefer floss picks? That’s fine too! Floss sticks can be a great option if you find them more convenient—just make sure you use a fresh pick for every session and still focus on reaching every tooth and gumline.

  • Helping kids build great dental habits early doesn’t just protect their teeth—it sets them up for confidence and independence as they grow! Here’s how to make it fun and age-appropriate every step of the way:

    1. Baby Steps: Start with a soft cloth to clean your baby’s gums before teeth show up. When that first tooth arrives, switch to a baby toothbrush (the even have gentle electric tooth brushes that light up that our kids loved). Bonus: Let them "help" hold it to get used to brushing!

    2. The Power of Teamwork: For toddlers and younger kids, make brushing a team effort. Brush together in front of the mirror, or let them brush first before you "help them" to make sure every tooth gets clean.

    3. Make It a Game: Use a fun toothbrush with their favorite character or play their favorite song for two minutes. Try "cavity monsters" stories or challenge them to "brush the sugar bugs away."

    4. Routine That Sticks: Pair brushing and flossing with something they already do, like right after breakfast or just before bedtime stories. Keep flossing quick and light—use floss sticks—they’re simple to hold and maneuver!

    5. Gaining Independence: As they get older, let them take charge. Give tips like, “Make sure to get the back teeth!” and do check-ins occasionally. For tweens, a quality electric toothbrush or water flosser can make the process cool and effortless.

    Parenting hack: Brushing together (even as they get older) is a great way to lead by example and sneak in a quick check to make sure they’re doing it right. Need more ideas? Ask us at your next visit—we love creative solutions!

PRODUCTS WE LOVE

Curated for whole-body health and preventive care!

At The Dental Retreat, we believe great oral health is about more than clean teeth—it’s about supporting the body as a whole. What you put in your mouth every morning and night matters. That’s why we only recommend products that align with our values: safe, effective ingredients, a commitment to prevention, and a deeper understanding of how oral health connects to overall well-being.

Every product here is available in our office—handpicked and patient-tested to support healthy habits at home.

  • Happy Tooth Mineral Mouthwash - $19


    ✔️ Alcohol-Free & Microbiome Friendly
    ✔️ Hydroxyapatite Rebuilds Enamel
    ✔️ Xylitol Helps Prevent Cavities

    This isn’t your typical bright-blue rinse. Happy Tooth’s formula skips the alcohol and harsh ingredients that disrupt your oral microbiome. Instead, it uses hydroxyapatite to strengthen enamel and xylitol to neutralize acids and reduce decay-causing bacteria. The result? A rinse that supports natural healing, reduces sensitivity, and promotes long-term oral health—without burning or drying out your mouth.

  • Cocofloss - $10 (60 day supply)
    ✔️ Textured for Deeper Cleaning
    ✔️ Infused with Coconut Oil for Gentle Glide
    ✔️ Best for Normal to Wider Gaps

    Cocofloss is designed to scrub like a loofah—lifting plaque and debris while being soft on your gums. The coconut oil infusion adds antimicrobial benefits and helps the floss glide easily without fraying or snapping. It’s a small luxury that makes a big difference in daily care.

    Better & Better Floss - $7 (60 day supply with discounted 120 day refill option for $10)
    ✔️ Ultra-Smooth for Tight Contacts
    ✔️ Fluoride-Free & Vegan Waxed
    ✔️ Delivers Vitamins to the Gums

    If you have tight contacts or struggle to get floss through without it shredding, this is the floss for you. Made with gentle, plant-based wax and infused with vitamins like B12, it helps support gum health while getting the job done—even in tricky spots.

    Eco Life Floss Sticks - $9 (50 day supply)
    ✔️ Plant-Based & Eco-Friendly
    ✔️ Options for Kids and Adults
    ✔️ Available Individually Wrapped or in Bulk

    Flossing shouldn’t come at the planet’s expense. Eco Life floss sticks are made from sustainable, plant-based materials and are available in kid-friendly sizes to help little ones build strong habits early. We also carry individually wrapped options—perfect for travel, post-lunch touchups, or hygienic sharing in families.

  • Happy Tooth Whitening Gel - $34 for 14 treatments
    ✔️ Whitening That Nourishes, Not Strips
    ✔️ Hydroxyapatite Repairs Enamel During Treatment
    ✔️ Great for Sensitive Teeth

    Traditional whitening treatments can be harsh on enamel and painful for sensitive teeth. This gel uses a non-toxic formula powered by hydroxyapatite to gently whiten while restoring the minerals in your enamel. That means you get a brighter smile and a stronger one—without the zingers.

  • David’s Toothpaste – For Adults & Kids - $10.50
    ✔️ Fluoride-Free
    ✔️ Remineralizing with Hydroxyapatite
    ✔️ No Artificial Flavors, SLS, or Preservatives

    David’s toothpaste replaces fluoride with nano-hydroxyapatite, a natural mineral that makes up 97% of your tooth enamel. It doesn’t just protect your teeth—it actually helps rebuild weakened enamel, reduce sensitivity, and prevent cavities. It’s a clean, safe option for adults and kids alike—especially for those avoiding fluoride due to sensitivity, allergies, or personal preferences.

    Better & Better Toothpaste - $19
    ✔️ Vitamin-Infused (B12 & D3)
    ✔️ Fluoride-Free with Remineralizing Agents
    ✔️ Designed to Support Energy, Mood & Oral Health

    This toothpaste goes beyond clean teeth. With every brush, you're absorbing essential vitamins that many of us are low in—especially vegans and vegetarians. It also uses safe, effective ingredients to strengthen enamel, reduce sensitivity, and promote healthier gums.

  • Better & Better Electric Toothbrush - $89
    ✔️ Thoughtful Vibration Patterns to Protect Enamel
    ✔️ Smart Timer Encourages Effective Brushing
    ✔️ Great for Sensitive Gums or First-Time Electric Users

    This sleek brush offers high-tech care without overwhelming your gums. It’s quieter and more intuitive than most electric brushes, with gentle vibrations that promote plaque removal without causing gum recession or enamel wear. A great option for patients looking to ease into electric brushing with confidence.

    Oral-B Toothbrushes - multiple options
    ✔️ Clinically Proven Plaque Removal
    ✔️ Multiple Modes for Personalized Care
    ✔️ Ideal for Deep Clean Seekers

    We also carry select models of the Oral-B line—recommended for patients looking for deeper, more clinical-level clean at home. These brushes are well-researched and highly effective, especially for those with braces, restorations, or periodontal concerns.

    High-End Manual Brushes - $24
    ✔️ Thoughtful Design for Optimal Angles
    ✔️ Soft Bristles That Are Gentle But Effective
    ✔️ Great for Travel or Brush Purists

    Some patients simply prefer a manual brush—and we support that. Our manual brush collection features premium designs that help you reach hard-to-clean areas with better grip, angle, and feel.

  • SOMA Mouth Tape - $22 (30 day supply)
    ✔️ Promotes Nasal Breathing During Sleep
    ✔️ Reduces Dry Mouth, Bad Breath & Morning Sensitivity
    ✔️ Supports Jaw & Airway Health

    Mouth breathing at night can cause a host of problems—from bad breath to increased cavity risk to snoring. Mouth taping gently encourages nasal breathing, which keeps the mouth moist, helps filter the air you breathe, and reduces the acidity that damages enamel overnight. SOMA tape is soft, flexible, and made with sensitive skin in mind.

Our commitment to your care.

At The Dental Retreat, we’re here to support your journey to better oral health. Whether you’re looking for advice on brushing, guidance for your child, or help choosing products, we’re just a call away. Together, we can build a foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles.

Have questions? Contact us at (864) 836-3611 or schedule your next visit online!

It might be time to schedule your cleaning.

Brushing and flossing at home are the foundation of a healthy mouth, but regular dental cleanings—twice a year—make all the difference for a healthy smile. Professional cleanings remove plaque and tartar that you can’t get to at home, and they help us catch small problems before they turn into bigger ones.

Since you’re already thinking about your oral health, why not schedule your next cleaning? Schedule your appointment here, and if you’re curious, check out what to expect at your visit. We’re here to keep your smile in great shape!