Brushing, Flossing & Routine Check-Ups in Encinitas – Your Daily Smile Protection Plan
At Gregory Skeens D.D.S. – Encinitas Family Dentistry, we believe the most powerful tools for keeping your teeth and gums healthy aren’t found in our office—they’re found in your bathroom cabinet. Brushing, flossing, and regular dental check-ups are the foundation of a healthy smile, and when done consistently, they can help prevent most dental issues before they ever start.
We’re here to support you with guidance, encouragement, and personalized care—so you can feel confident about your oral hygiene routine and enjoy the long-term benefits of a healthy, happy smile.
The Power of Good Daily Oral Hygiene
Brushing and flossing might seem simple, but when done correctly and consistently, they can:
- Remove plaque before it hardens into tartar
- Prevent cavities and gum disease
- Keep your breath fresh
- Preserve the natural whiteness of your teeth
- Reduce the risk of tooth loss and costly treatments
As part of our preventative care philosophy, we take time during each visit to review your brushing and flossing habits—and offer practical tips you can actually use.
Brushing – It’s More Than Just a Habit
Brushing your teeth at least twice a day helps remove plaque and bacteria that accumulate throughout the day and while you sleep. Done correctly, it protects your enamel, prevents gum irritation, and keeps your breath fresh.
Our Brushing Tips:
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid damaging enamel or gums
- Choose a fluoride toothpaste to help strengthen tooth enamel
- Brush for two full minutes, using gentle circular motions
- Don’t forget your gum line, tongue, and inner surfaces of your teeth
- Replace your toothbrush or brush head every 3–4 months
We’re happy to recommend toothbrushes, toothpaste, or electric brush options based on your individual needs.
Flossing – The Unsung Hero of Oral Health
Flossing removes plaque and food particles from areas your toothbrush can’t reach—especially between teeth and below the gum line, where decay and gum disease often begin. If you’re not flossing daily, you’re missing out on cleaning about 40% of your tooth surfaces.
Our Flossing Tips:
- Floss once a day, ideally before bed
- Use gentle, gliding motions and curve the floss around each tooth
- Avoid snapping the floss, which can damage your gums
- Don’t forget to clean behind your back molars
If you struggle with traditional floss, we can show you how to use floss picks, water flossers, or interdental brushes effectively.
Why Routine Dental Check-Ups Matter
Even with the best brushing and flossing habits, plaque can build up in hard-to-reach places—and dental issues can develop without obvious symptoms. That’s why routine dental check-ups in Encinitas are a critical part of maintaining your oral health.
What to Expect at Your Check-Up:
- Professional Cleaning – Removes plaque, tartar, and stains
- Comprehensive Exam – Checks for cavities, gum disease, bite issues, and oral cancer
- X-Rays (as needed) – Detects problems beneath the surface
- Personalized Guidance – We’ll assess your brushing and flossing routine and suggest improvements
We typically recommend check-ups every six months, but may suggest more frequent visits if you have specific risk factors.
Oral Hygiene for All Ages
At Gregory Skeens D.D.S., we tailor hygiene advice and care routines to fit your age, lifestyle, and health needs.
- Kids and Teens – We help young patients develop strong habits early and make oral care fun and stress-free.
- Adults – We offer practical advice for maintaining clean teeth with busy schedules, diets, and stress factors.
- Seniors – We support aging smiles with solutions for dry mouth, sensitivity, and changes in dexterity.
No matter your stage of life, our goal is to help you keep your teeth and gums healthy with minimal stress or complexity.
Struggling to Stay Consistent?
You’re not alone. Life gets busy, and it’s easy to let daily routines slide. If you’re finding it hard to stay consistent with brushing or flossing, we’ll work with you to find realistic strategies that fit your lifestyle.
- Set reminders on your phone
- Pair brushing with another habit (like showering or making coffee)
- Try new tools like electric brushes or flossers
- Track your progress with simple habit apps or calendar checkmarks
Our goal is not to judge—but to help you succeed.
What If I Haven’t Been to the Dentist in a While?
That’s okay! Whether it’s been six months or six years, we welcome you with compassion and no judgment. The most important step is the next one—and we’re here to make sure it’s a comfortable and positive experience.
Many of our patients from Encinitas, Cardiff, Leucadia, and surrounding communities have rediscovered their healthiest smiles simply by returning to the basics of good home care and routine visits.
Your Smile Deserves Consistent Care
Brushing and flossing may seem small, but they make a huge impact on your long-term dental and overall health. When combined with regular check-ups, they form the foundation for a lifetime of confident smiles.
Call Gregory Skeens D.D.S. – Encinitas Family Dentistry at 760-944-9288 to schedule your routine check-up or talk with us about your home care habits. Whether you need a refresh, a restart, or a little encouragement, we’re here to support your healthiest smile.
Frequently Asked Questions – Brushing, Flossing & Routine Check-Ups
How often should I brush and floss?
Brush at least twice a day and floss once a day. We recommend brushing after breakfast and before bed, and flossing in the evening.
What kind of toothbrush should I use?
Do I really need to floss if I brush thoroughly?
How often should I see the dentist for a check-up?
Is it too late to improve my brushing and flossing habits?
Meet Dr. Gregory Skeens, DDS
Gregory Skeens, DDS – Dr. Skeens graduated from Loma Linda University dental school in 2001 on an academic Navy scholarship. He was the first in his class to finish all clinical requirements 6 months early and became a faculty member at the dental school, where he served for 4 years as a Navy dentist and a naval officer. After completing an advanced education in general dentistry (AEGD) residency, he deployed on the USS Peleliu in 2003, caring for 2500 marines, as well as providing humanitarian dental care to the Indigenous people of Iraq and Africa.
Dr. Skeens belongs to the American Dental Association (ADA), California Dental Association (CDA), and San Diego County Dental Society (SDCDS). He also attends Patriot and IADI Study Clubs.
Our Complete Dental Services
Tooth Extractions
Safely remove broken, cracked, or decayed teeth, including wisdom tooth removal.
Emergency Dentistry
Urgent dental care when you need it the most
Veneers
Conceal cosmetic flaws, improve the appearance of your smile, and protect your tooth's surface.
Dental Bonding
Repair chipped, cracked, or discolored teeth or close gaps between teeth.
Dental Implants
The gold standard for replacing missing teeth that lasts for decades and restores your ability to chew food.
In-House Membership
Annual dental exams, bitewing x-rays, and discounts on dental services.
Visit Encinitas Family Dentistry
519 Encinitas Blvd #108
Encinitas, CA 92024
We are located in the North Coast Business Park off Encinitas Blvd.
Patient Video Testimonials and 5-Star Google Reviews
Exceptional Patient-Focused Dental Care
During your visit, you’ll get to know Dr. Skeens—he is down-to-earth and known for his professionalism and sense of humor. As an innovative dentist in Encinitas, he always seeks continuing education courses to expand his professional knowledge and offers the latest dental advancements. He and his team make you feel right at home and offer exceptional patient-focused dental care in a comfortable and modern setting. We’ll look at your overall oral health and suggest essential treatments.
At Gregory Skeens D.D.S. – Encinitas Family Dentistry, relationships matter. Supporting growing families and strengthening the oral health of patients at every stage of life provides the ultimate reward to our team. We understand dental anxiety and pride ourselves on compassion and kindness. Our state-of-the-art technology allows us to serve everyone with first-class dental treatments for a legacy of Encinitas smiles
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Administrative
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Insurance / Financing / In-House Membership
Insurance
Insurance
We are in-network/contracted with the Delta Dental Premier Plan. We accept all PPO plans under ALL insurance umbrellas; however, we are considered out-of-network. As a courtesy, we will submit all claims to your insurance company and collect your estimated amount as treatment is rendered.
Financing
Financing
We’ll discuss the cost and payment options with you before we begin, and the choice for treatment is always yours. We accept major credit cards and CareCredit for extended payment options.
In-house Membership
In-house Membership
Our in-house membership program offers yearly savings and 20% off most dental services when you prepay for your hygiene visits, exams, and x-rays
Our guiding principles ensure your comprehensive dental treatments include the highest standards of care by dental professionals with ongoing training and expertise. We maintain strict infection control guidelines to protect you for uncompromising safety, patient education, and prevention. You can expect thorough dental exams that factor in your medical history, current illnesses, and current medications. The overall health of your teeth and gums is foundational to your general health. At Encinitas Family Dentistry, you can rest easy in our dental chairs, benefiting from a highly trained, highly motivated team of skilled professionals
✓ The Highest Standards of Care
✓ Uncompromising Safety
✓ Training and Expertise
✓ Education and Prevention
