5 Habits for a Healthy Smile in Burnaby

If you’re looking for a Burnaby dentist who can help you keep your teeth healthy for life, you’ve come to the right place. At Burnaby South Dental in the High Gate area, we love helping our patients understand the little things they can do every day for a healthier, brighter smile.

Many people think dental care is all about coming in for checkups (which is important, don’t get us wrong!) but there’s so much you can do at home to avoid problems down the road. Today, we’re sharing 5 simple habits that anyone in Burnaby can adopt for better oral health.

These tips aren’t complicated—and they really work.

1. Brush Twice Daily (But Do It Right!)

You’ve heard it before, but we can’t say it enough. Brushing your teeth twice a day is one of the easiest, most important ways to prevent cavities and gum disease.

But it’s not just about brushing, it’s how you brush that matters. At Burnaby South Dental, we often see patients who brush too quickly, too hard, or miss areas altogether.

Here are a few tips for brushing well:

Use a soft-bristled toothbrush
Brush for at least two full minutes
Don’t scrub too hard (gentle circles are best)
Replace your toothbrush every 3–4 months

We also suggest fluoride toothpaste for most patients. It helps strengthen enamel and prevent decay. If you’re not sure which toothpaste is right for you, just ask us at your next visit!

If you’re looking for a dentist near me who can show you the proper brushing technique in person, drop by our High Gate dental clinic. We’re always happy to help.

2. Floss Every Day (Really!)

We know. Flossing isn’t most people’s favourite part of their routine. But honestly? It’s just as important as brushing.

Your toothbrush can’t reach the tight spaces between your teeth where plaque and food particles hide. When that plaque sits there too long, it hardens into tartar and can lead to gum disease.

Even flossing once daily can make a huge difference.

We tell all our Burnaby South Dental patients:

Be gentle to avoid hurting gums
Curve the floss around the tooth in a “C” shape
Don’t forget the back teeth

If traditional floss is hard to use, there are other options like floss picks or water flossers. Ask your Burnaby dentist about them next time!

3. Watch What You Eat and Drink

A healthy diet doesn’t just help your body—it’s key for your teeth too.

Sugary and acidic foods are some of the worst offenders when it comes to tooth decay. They feed bacteria in your mouth, leading to acid production that erodes enamel.

We’re not saying you can never have treats (we love them too), but moderation is key.

Here are a few dentist-approved diet tips:

Limit sugary drinks like soda and juice
Drink plenty of water, especially after meals
Choose crunchy fruits and vegetables (they help clean teeth naturally)
Include dairy for calcium and phosphate

If you’re worried about your diet’s effect on your teeth, our High Gate dentist can give you personalized advice.

4. Don’t Skip Your Checkups

Even with perfect brushing and flossing, you still need regular professional care.

At Burnaby South Dental, we recommend most patients visit every 6 months for a cleaning and exam. During your visit:

We remove tartar that can’t be brushed away
Check for early signs of cavities
Screen for gum disease
Look for signs of oral cancer
Discuss any concerns you have

Seeing your Burnaby dentist regularly can catch problems while they’re small and easy (and cheaper) to fix.

If it’s been awhile since your last visit, we promise no judgment—just friendly, professional care.

5. Protect Your Teeth from Damage

Your teeth are tough, but they’re not indestructible.

We often see patients at our High Gate dental clinic with cracked or worn teeth that could have been prevented.

A few simple precautions:

Don’t use your teeth to open packages or bottles
Wear a mouthguard for sports
If you grind your teeth at night, ask us about nightguards
Avoid chewing ice, hard candy, or anything that can crack enamel

Protecting your teeth now means fewer expensive repairs later.

Our Burnaby South dentist team can help you find the right mouthguard or nightguard if you need one.

Why Choose Burnaby South Dental?

We know there are lots of dentists in Burnaby. So why choose us?

At Burnaby South Dental, we pride ourselves on:

✅ Friendly, caring service for all ages
✅ Modern technology for more comfortable visits
✅ Convenient High Gate location in Burnaby
✅ Flexible hours and easy booking
✅ A commitment to clear, honest advice (no pressure or sales tactics)

When you’re searching for a dentist near me, it’s not just about proximity—it’s about trust. We work hard every day to earn that trust from our community.