Tips for Maintaining a Healthy Smile: Expert Advice

A healthy smile can do a lot of things. It can boost your mood, build confidence and even be a stress buster. What’s more? A healthy smile can be contagious and spread joy. 

Now, if you are thinking – “oh, but I’m insecure about my smile because it isn’t perfect and healthy,” that’s alright because we have good news. A stunning smile is well within reach with some TLC and consistency. 

Want to learn about how you can maintain a healthy smile? Our team at Warrnambool Smile Dental is here to spill the secrets to a healthy, happy smile. 

The Golden Rule: Brush Twice Daily, Two Minutes Each 

Let’s kick things off with the classic – “brush your teeth twice a day, in the morning and before bed.” Sounds simple, right? It is, but we all know how easy it is to rush through or skip it altogether when things get hectic. 

Remember those brushing lessons from back in the day? They are still valid. Here’s a quick refresher for you: 

• Squeeze a pea-sized amount of fluoridated toothpaste to a soft-bristled brush. 
• Hold your brush at a 45-degree angle towards the gum line. 
• Brush in gentle circles. There’s no need to scrub it hard as it can damage the enamel. 
• Spit out the toothpaste, but hold off on rinsing immediately to let the fluoride work its magic.
• Repeat this twice a day, for two minutes each time! Oh, and don’t forget to clean your tongue too. 

Floss Everyday

Brushing is important, but there are certain areas in your mouth that your toothbrush can’t reach. That’s where floss comes in. It can clean the sneaky areas between your teeth and along the gumline where plaque and bacteria accumulate. 

• Grab 30-45 cm of floss and wrap it around your middle fingers. 
• Hold the floss tight between your thumb and index finger and gently slide it between your teeth in a zigzag motion. 
• Curve the floss into a ‘C’ shape around each tooth and gently rub it up and down against the side. 
• Unroll a fresh section of floss and move to the next tooth.

Eat Smile-Friendly Foods 

When it comes to your teeth, you really are what you eat. Some foods and drinks like sugary and acidic drinks, starchy foods and hard candy and nuts can wreak havoc on your smile. 

Here’s what you should be adding to your diet to maintain a healthy smile: 

• Dairy items such as milk, cheese and yoghurt. They are packed with calcium and phosphate which can help balance pH levels in your mouth and fight off bacteria. 
• Crunchy fruits and vegetables like apples and carrots because of their high water content which aids in saliva production. 
• Protein rich foods like eggs, lean meats and fish. 
• Nuts and seeds that can promote saliva production and remove plaque in your teeth. 
• Leafy greens like spinach and kale. 

Drink Water, Stay Hydrated 

When it comes to your oral health, hydration is key. And the best way to stay hydrated – water! Not only is it the ultimate thirst quencher, but it also helps maintain your smile. Here’s how staying hydrated with water can be a game-changer for your smile: 

• Water helps wash away leftover food particles in your mouth. 
• It helps promote saliva production, which neutralises acids and washes away bacteria. 
• Water helps keep your mouth moist and dry, preventing dry mouth conditions. 

Visit the Dentist Regularly 

Regular dental check-ups are a non-negotiable for a healthy smile. These dental visits will allow our team at Brisbane Implants to detect any potential problems early on and nip them in the bud before they turn into major problems. 

So, mark those calendars and schedule your check-up every 6 months, like clockwork. If something is bothering you (whether it’s a toothache, a chipped tooth or dental pain), don’t wait. Give us a call and we’ll help you out. Remember, ignoring the problem won’t make it go away, it’ll just worsen it. 

At Warrnambool Smile Dental, we’ve got years of experience helping our patients achieve their dream smiles. We’re not just about fixing problems but also preventing them and empowering you to take charge of your oral health.