6 Ways to Care for Your Teeth, According to Dentists

The best dentist will tell you that good dental care is about avoiding cavities to keep your healthy smile for life. But with so much advice out there, you surely wonder: Are electric toothbrushes better than manual ones? Should you rinse after brushing? And is cosmetic dentistry only for looks, or does it help with dental health, too?

Small daily habits make a big difference, and knowing what works can save you from painful and costly dental treatments. So, to maintain optimal oral health, here are some easy ways our dentists at Auburn Bay Dental recommend caring for your teeth and keeping your smile bright.

Key Takeaways

• Brushing two times a day and flossing daily are the foundation of good oral health.
• Limiting sugary snacks protects your enamel.
• Regular dental checkups prevent minor issues from turning into major dental concerns.

Cut Down On Snacks, Especially Sugar 

Sugar is everywhere, even in foods you wouldn’t expect. You can’t avoid sugar in modern diets, and it’s sometimes hidden. While sugar itself isn’t the direct cause of tooth decay, it fuels the bacteria that release acid, which wears down enamel over time.

Timing matters just as much as quantity. So, limit sweet foods and drinks to mealtimes—breakfast, lunch, dinner, and one snack—to give your teeth time to recover. Constant snacking exposes your teeth to harmful bacteria and increases the likelihood of cavities.

NHS dentist Jenna Murgatroyd said, “Your teeth can cope with breakfast, lunch, and tea, but they can’t really cope with much else in between, other than water.” If you’re always snacking, you’re feeding bacteria all day.

If you have something sugary, rinsing your mouth with water or chewing sugar-free gum reduces the acid. 

Brush Before Breakfast And Before Bed

Brushing twice a day is all you need to keep your teeth healthy. Ideally, first thing in the morning so you get the fluoride benefit of the toothpaste to protect your teeth during the day, and then last thing at night. While you sleep, your mouth produces less saliva, which makes it easier for bacteria to grow.

You don’t need to brush your teeth every time you eat. If you do, wait at least 30 minutes after your last meal. The reason?

• Saliva repairs teeth naturally. “It has got things in it such as calcium and phosphate, which are what teeth are made of, causing the teeth to go into a state of repair,” explains dentist Tristan Roberts.
• Brushing too soon can wear down enamel. “If you’re brushing your teeth as soon as you’ve eaten, then you are brushing off the softened enamel before it has the chance to toughen up again,” says Jenna Murgatroyd.

Make it a habit to brush for the full two minutes. “Most people will brush for less than a minute and think it has been two minutes,” says Dr. Praveen Sharma, an honorary consultant in restorative dentistry at the Birmingham Dental Hospital and a scientific adviser to the British Dental Association. Spit the toothpaste out, but don’t rinse it afterwards to make sure you get the benefit from the toothpaste.

If you want a deeper cleaning, consult with dental hygienists or opt for teeth whitening in your trusted dental office, like Auburn Bay Dental.

Practice The Right Way To Brush 

Brushing isn’t just about scrubbing away plaque; it’s a mindful routine where you feel the bristles going between the gums and teeth. Here’s how to brush properly:

• Balance both sides: Right-handed people tend to brush the left side more, and left-handed people do the opposite. Let’s say you’re right-handed: Start on the right and then work your way to the left.
• Brush the gums: “Angle the bristles down at 45 degrees for the bottom teeth and up at 45 degrees for the top teeth,” according to Dr. Sharma. This cleans the area where bacteria usually build up.
• Don’t forget your tongue: “Brushing your tongue daily will help prevent bad breath and reduce the number of potentially harmful microbes in the mouth,” according to Roberts.
• Skip the water: You don’t have to wet your toothbrush at all. This prevents toothpaste from foaming too much and allows it to coat the teeth properly.

As part of your comprehensive dental care, opt for regular dental cleaning at our Calgary dental clinic to prevent dental issues before they start. If there are any concerns, our dental professionals can provide guidance on improving brushing habits.

Don’t Forget To Floss 

Brushing helps, but it won’t get rid of plaque and food stuck between your teeth. That’s where flossing comes in. Interdental brushes are the gold standard. These are little brushes that go between the teeth. If you can’t use them, you can use a standard floss, which is a bit technique-sensitive.

How to Floss Properly:

• Use a back-and-forth movement to guide the floss between your teeth.
• Curve it into a ‘C’ shape around each tooth and slide it up and down.
• Be gentle—forcing it can harm your gums.

If your gums bleed, this means they’ve got inflammation. The bleeding will stop after about a week if you’re consistently cleaning in between your teeth and brushing along the gums. 

To make sure you’re doing the right thing, go to the best Calgary dentist on your next dental visit to check for gum disease and other oral health issues. Our team at Auburn Bay Dental is the go-to choice for comprehensive dental services.  

Practice Dental Hygiene As Early As Possible 

Good habits start young, and brushing together as a family can make a big difference. “Children learn by mirroring,” says Ajit Tanday, an associate professor at a dental hospital in the UK. “If you brush your teeth together as a family, they are probably going to be more inclined to do it because it’s part of their routine.” Even before teeth come in, gently rubbing a baby’s gums with a soft cloth sets that dental practice.

Tips for Teaching Kids to Brush

• Use a timer or an app to keep them brushing for two minutes.
• Check their technique, even beyond age seven. “The official guidance is until seven, but you definitely should keep an eye beyond this age,” Tanday added.
• Try a disclosing tablet on weekends—it stains plaque so kids can see the spots they missed.

A family dentist in Calgary can help with your children’s dental needs.

Don’t Hesitate To Visit A Dentist 

Going to your local dentist isn’t always at the top of the to-do list, but delaying a visit can lead to bigger problems. Understandably, dental clinics are not the favourite place to visit. However, dental professionals can look after patients who are anxious by providing sedation dentistry options. The sooner you come in, the sooner the dentist can review your dental history and offer personalized guidance to improve your oral health.

Why Regular Checkups Matter With the Best Dentist?

• Prevent bigger issues: Cavities and gum problems don’t go away on their own. Seeing dentists early avoids extra treatments and emergency dental services.
• Save your teeth: Dentists will never force you to have dental crowns, dental implants, fillings, or get root canal therapy. “But if we suggest them, it will be because you have decay in a tooth. If this decay is left, we may not be able to save the tooth,” says Murgatroyd. Cosmetic procedures or restorative services can repair damaged teeth.
• Improve your smile: Whether it’s porcelain veneers, implants, or other cosmetic dentistry services, a dental specialist can offer options to improve your confidence.

Remember that a little discomfort today can prevent major issues later. Book an appointment and keep your smile in top shape. 

Avoid Dental Concerns – Consult a Dentist Nearby in Calgary

Taking care of your teeth doesn’t have to be complicated. Small habits like brushing, flossing, and regular dental checkups can keep your smile healthy for years. Prioritizing oral hygiene prevents painful and costly dental problems in the future. Schedule a visit to our modern dental office, Auburn Bay Dental, for high-quality dental care and personalized advice.