Taking care of your teeth might seem like a small thing, but it can make a big difference in your health and confidence. At Burnaby South Dental, located in the heart of the High Gate community, we care about helping you and your family maintain a clean, healthy smile for life. Whether you’re searching for a Burnaby dentist, a trusted High Gate dental clinic, or just Googling “dentist near me,” we’re here with practical dental hygiene tips you can use every day.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through easy and effective ways to keep your teeth and gums healthy. No confusing dental jargon—just real, simple advice from your Burnaby South dentist.
1. Brush Your Teeth, But Don’t Rush It
Let’s start with the basics: brushing your teeth. Most people already brush, but many don’t brush properly. You should brush at least twice a day for two minutes each time. A lot of people brush for 30 seconds and think they’re done, but that’s not enough time to clean all the surfaces of your teeth.
Here’s a tip: try humming your favorite song while brushing. Or use a timer on your phone. Kids especially benefit from this trick!
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Don’t scrub too hard—it can actually damage your enamel and gums. Gentle and thorough is the way to go.
2. Don’t Forget to Floss
Flossing isn’t everyone’s favorite thing to do, but it’s super important. Your toothbrush can’t reach between your teeth, where food and plaque get stuck. If you skip flossing, you’re missing about 40% of your tooth surfaces.
Floss once a day—ideally before bed. If you find regular floss tricky to use, try dental picks or floss holders. The goal is to clean between your teeth in a way that works for you.
3. Rinse with Mouthwash
Mouthwash can be a good extra step in your dental routine. It helps reduce bacteria, freshens breath, and some even have fluoride to help prevent cavities. But it’s not a replacement for brushing or flossing.
Choose a mouthwash that suits your needs. Some are for dry mouth, some are antibacterial, and others are for whitening. Ask your High Gate dentist at Burnaby South Dental if you’re unsure which one is best for you.
4. Eat for Healthy Teeth
What you eat matters for your teeth. Sugar and sticky snacks feed bacteria in your mouth, which leads to cavities. Try to cut down on soda, candy, and chips. Instead, go for crunchy fruits and vegetables, like apples, carrots, and celery—they help clean your teeth while you chew!
Drinking water, especially after meals, is another simple habit that helps rinse away food particles and reduce acid.
Also, chewing sugar-free gum can help stimulate saliva production, which is your mouth’s natural way of cleaning itself.
5. Replace Your Toothbrush Regularly
Most people don’t realize they need to replace their toothbrush every 3 to 4 months—or sooner if the bristles are frayed. An old toothbrush doesn’t clean as well, and it can harbor bacteria.
If you’ve just recovered from a cold or flu, it’s a good idea to change your toothbrush as well.
At Burnaby South Dental, we often remind patients that taking care of their toothbrush is part of taking care of their teeth.
6. Don’t Skip Dental Checkups
Even if your teeth feel fine, it’s important to visit your dentist regularly. We recommend checkups every 6 months. These visits let us catch any problems early—before they become painful or expensive.
Professional cleanings remove plaque and tartar that you can’t reach at home. Your Burnaby dentist can also check for signs of gum disease, cavities, and even oral cancer.
Many people search for a “dentist near me” only when there’s pain—but prevention is key. Staying on top of your appointments is the best way to avoid bigger issues later.
7. Kids Need Special Care Too
Kids need help building good dental habits early. At our High Gate dental clinic, we love working with children and making their visits fun and stress-free. Parents should help kids brush until they’re about 7 or 8 years old. Use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste and make it part of the daily routine.
Bringing your child to the dentist from a young age can help reduce dental anxiety and make them more comfortable with checkups as they grow.
8. Watch Out for Grinding
If you wake up with a sore jaw or notice your teeth are wearing down, you might be grinding your teeth—also known as bruxism. This is a common problem, especially during stressful times.
If you suspect you grind your teeth, talk to your Burnaby South dentist. We may recommend a night guard to protect your teeth while you sleep.
9. Quit Smoking (Your Teeth Will Thank You)
Smoking and chewing tobacco can cause serious dental problems, including gum disease, tooth discoloration, and even oral cancer. It’s not easy to quit, but your teeth and overall health will greatly benefit.
We’re here to support you. Our team at Burnaby South Dental can connect you with resources and tips to help you make the switch.
Final Thoughts from Your Burnaby South Dentist
Dental hygiene isn’t just about having white teeth—it’s about keeping your whole mouth healthy. From brushing and flossing to eating right and visiting your High Gate dentist, the small things you do every day make a big difference.
At Burnaby South Dental, we’re more than just a dentist near you—we’re part of your community. Whether it’s your first visit or your fiftieth, we’re here to help you and your family keep smiling for years to come.
If you haven’t been in for a while, or just want to ask a question, give us a call or stop by. Our friendly team is ready to help.
📍 Burnaby South Dental
Your trusted Burnaby dentist in the High Gate area.
