At Smiles on 34th, we make it easy to keep your smile bright. We’re conveniently located in South Edmonton with a welcoming clinic for patients of all ages. Come see us regularly and follow these tips to keep your smile healthy in between visits.
1. Brush daily
It’s no secret that regular brushing is the easiest and most effective way to keep your teeth and gums healthy. We recommend that you brush twice daily for a couple of minutes each time. A simple trick to remember is 2×2, two times each day for two minutes.
Choose a toothbrush with soft bristles and always use a toothpaste with fluoride. If you have concerns about sensitivity or whitening, we’re always happy to provide you with a personalized recommendation.
To brush adequately, spend about 30 seconds on each quadrant of your mouth. With the bristles at a 45 degree angle, use gentle circular motions and make sure that you massage along the gum line before moving the brush to your chewing surfaces.
Finally, give your tongue a brushing to remove food particles and bacteria that can cause bad breath.
2. Replace your toothbrush often
Good dental hygiene means not using a toothbrush that’s showing signs of wear. Replace your brush every 3-6 months, or sooner if you notice the bristles fraying. It’s always a good idea to buy a new toothbrush after you’ve been ill as well.
Choose one with a small enough head so that you can easily access all your teeth. Soft bristles will help protect your enamel and gums, as vigorous brushing with hard bristles can actually damage your mouth.
3. Floss
Flossing seems like a dreaded chore but skipping it can lead to issues with gum health. Make it a regular habit to floss each night before you brush.
Holding a piece of floss between your thumb and forefingers, guide it between your teeth all the way up to your gums, allowing it to rub the sides of each tooth. Repeat the process between each of your teeth. When you’re done, always throw your floss away and never flush it down the toilet.
If you’re new to flossing or haven’t been flossing regularly, you may notice some bleeding gums. This should resolve within a few days with regular flossing.
There are alternatives to flossing that are also effective if you’re unable to use normal floss. Talk to your dentist about floss picks or interdental brushes, especially if you wear braces or face other obstacles to flossing.
4. Stick to a healthy diet
There are lots of reasons to maintain a healthy diet, and dental health can be added to this list.
Avoiding sugar treats, especially between meals, is a good way to prevent cavities. Sugars that are left on your teeth invite bacteria that can damage your enamel and cause decay.
Some of the best foods for a healthy smile are those that are high in calcium. Dairy products, dark leafy greens, soybeans, and nuts all add beneficial calcium to your diet to keep teeth healthy and strong. Cheese, in particular, is also proven to increase saliva and help prevent tooth decay.
Make sure you drink enough water to stay hydrated throughout the day as well. Choosing fluoridated water is a known cavity-fighter. Drinking water keeps saliva levels high and washes away food particles that can get lodged in between teeth.
Between meals or when brushing isn’t an option, you may choose to chew sugarless gum. This helps increase saliva and clears away particles that can cause cavities.
5. Book your next appointment
While it’s important to take these steps between dental visits, having regular checkups and dental care can help catch problems early. We recommend visits every six months to ensure that your mouth stays healthy.
Professional dental cleaning is effective at removing plaque and tartar buildup that can irritate your teeth and gums. Our team at Smiles on 34th uses gentle cleaning techniques to make sure you remain comfortable throughout your appointment.
It’s also a good idea to promote regular dental care for your children. Help them brush and teach them effective techniques to keep their teeth clean. We look forward to caring for their smiles from the time their first teeth erupt.
Keep smiling
Taking care of your teeth only takes a few minutes each day. Focusing on these healthy habits will protect your smile for years to come. If you’re experiencing any issues or haven’t yet booked your next regular appointment, give us a call at (780) 461-3434 or Book Online today. We look forward to putting a smile on your face!
