Caring for Your Smile Between Dental Visits
Patient Education
September 1, 2026
Your daily habits play an important role in maintaining a healthy smile between dental visits. Explore simple ways to protect your teeth and gums and make the most of your professional dental care.
Build a Simple Daily Routine
A consistent daily routine is one of the best things you can do for your smile between appointments. Brushing twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristle brush helps remove the plaque that builds up on teeth throughout the day, while flossing once a day clears away food particles and buildup that a toothbrush can’t reach between teeth.
If you tend to forget, try tying your routine to something you already do every day — brushing right after breakfast and again before bed, for example. Small, consistent habits add up to a meaningful difference in your oral health over time.
Watch for Changes
Between visits, it’s worth paying attention to how your teeth and gums feel. Sensitivity to hot or cold, bleeding when you brush or floss, a tooth that feels different when you bite down, or a sore that doesn’t heal are all worth noting.
None of these changes are cause for panic, but they are useful information. Keeping a mental note — or even a written one — of anything that feels different helps your dental team understand your day-to-day experience when you come in for your next visit.
Make the Most of Your Professional Visits
Daily habits and professional care work together. Regular cleanings and comprehensive exams help catch small concerns before they become bigger ones, and they give you a chance to ask questions about anything you’ve noticed since your last appointment.
If it’s been a while since your last visit, or if something feels off before your next scheduled appointment, don’t wait — reach out to your dental team. A quick conversation is often all it takes to figure out the right next step.
When to Contact the Office
Most day-to-day oral care is simple maintenance, but some situations are worth a call sooner rather than later — ongoing pain, swelling, a broken or loose tooth, or a filling or crown that feels like it has come loose. Reaching out promptly can help keep a small issue from becoming a bigger one.
See why
our patientslove us
We’re proud to provide care that makes a lasting impact, and our patients’ experiences reflect that commitment. Hear from the families who trust Schenk Family Dentistry with their smiles.
My experience at Schenk Family Dentistry was great. Everyone was very nice and patient. They let me know what was going on the whole time I was there and answered all my questions. I'm definitely happy to have them as my new dental facility and I highly recommend them for any family to join!
I have been using this dental office for 10+ years and have never been disappointed with my results after an appointment. I would highly recommend this office for anyone looking for a professional dentist office, where everyone is nice and seems to genuinely care about your teeth. Also my Family living in the Mount Airy area also all use this office for all of their dental needs. Keep up the great work Schenk family Dentistry.
Dr. Schenk and her staff are absolutely fantastic from start to finish! They are very knowledgeable and helpful throughout the dental process.
Great people Sydney does a great job keeping you informed on what's going on. Always shares a laugh with you.