Six Tips to Maintain a Healthy, Confident Smile

Who doesn’t love a healthy smile? However, the truth is that a radiant, healthy smile doesn’t come without some effort. It combines good oral hygiene at home and regular dental visits. Preventive dental care is the pillar of our dentistry at Mark A. Wong DDS, Family Dentistry. Preventative care protects your smile from gum disease, decay, and other oral issues, which cause unnecessary discomfort and require costly restorative treatments.

Oral hygiene tips you need to know

So, what does it take to maintain a healthy smile? Dr. Mark Wong shares some handy tips. (Spoiler: it’s simple but a lifelong commitment!).

1. Brush diligently: You have heard this repeatedly, but we’ll never tire of telling you to brush your teeth diligently. We recommend brushing your teeth at least twice daily, but doing it three times won’t hurt. Brushing removes food debris, surface stains, and plaque from your teeth to prevent oral infections, decay, and halitosis. Brush your teeth for at least two minutes and reach every tooth surface. Change your brush every three months or when you notice frayed bristles.
2. Flossing: Did you know brushing only reaches 60% of the tooth surface? That’s why you must floss your teeth to remove unhealthy deposits between teeth and other areas the toothbrush can’t reach. To floss, gently slide the floss between your teeth, curving it around each tooth and moving it up and down to remove plaque. Be sure to floss both sides of each tooth, including just below the gum line. If traditional flossing doesn’t work for you, you can use a Waterpik. 
3. Mouthwash: After brushing and flossing, use a medicated oral rinse to finish the job. An antibacterial mouthwash kills harmful bacteria left after cleaning your teeth. Using mouthwash is simple—swish the rinse in your mouth for about 30 seconds, then spit it out.
4. Dental check-ups: Even with the great work you do at home, you need the help of a dentist. Visit us every six months for routine cleanings and check-ups. If you are at risk of gum disease, it’s recommended you see us 3-4 times annually. We’ll clean your teeth professionally and screen your teeth and gums for oral issues that might go unnoticed at home.
5. Watch your diet: Your diet is as important as brushing or flossing. Reduce the intake of sugary foods because they are “magnet” for decay-causing bacteria. Instead, consider dairy products, veggies, fruits, and other dental-friendly foods. Keep your mouth hydrated and use sugar-free gum to promote saliva production.
6. Kick out bad oral habits. Quit smoking. Tobacco use contains harmful substances that cause bad breath and tooth staining. Smoking also increases the risk of oral cancer. Moreover, avoid using your teeth for any other reason than chewing food. That is, stop using your teeth to open packages, cut fingernails, and chew bottle tops. Lastly, talk to your dentist about bruxism (teeth grinding) treatment to avoid damaging your teeth.

The reward for optimal oral habits is a healthy, issue-free smile. It also boosts your confidence, aesthetics, and overall well-being.

Ready for a dental appointment?

Preventive dentistry is vital at every stage of life. Take control of your oral health today with preventive dental care in Walnut Creek, California. Call Mark A. Wong DDS, Family Dentistry at (925) 678-5600 to learn more about caring for your smile. We can’t wait to help you maintain a healthy, beautiful smile.

Share this Article