🦷 Secret to Good Oral Health

The dental industry is packed with gimmicks, but the secret to good oral health isn’t about chasing the latest trendy product. In my experience, the patients who see real improvement aren’t the ones buying into fads but the ones who commit to consistent, effective habits. Let’s talk!

For this week, let's talk...

• The not-so-secret to oral health

• Wisdom teeth

• Cavities don't hurt

🤫 The secret to good dental health

You don’t need a special, expensive toothpaste with magic in it! Any affordable fluoride toothpaste, when used with proper brushing techniques, will get the job done. I see many patients at work, and the ones who improve their oral health aren’t the ones chasing trends—they’re the ones who take action by building good habits and using the right technique.

The “secret” to good oral health is a combination of prevention, diet, and habits. Here’s how each plays a crucial role:

1. Prevention: The Best Defense

• Brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste removes plaque and prevents cavities.

• Flossing once a day cleans between teeth where your toothbrush can't reach.

• Regular dental visits catch small problems before they become big ones.

2. Diet: You Are What You Eat (And So Are Your Teeth!)

• Limit sugar and acidic foods to prevent enamel erosion and cavities.

• Eat calcium-rich foods like dairy, leafy greens, and almonds to strengthen teeth.

• Crunchy fruits & veggies (e.g. apples, carrots, celery) help clean teeth and stimulate gums.

• Drink water to wash away food particles and bacteria.

3. Habits: The Daily Routine That Matters

• Don’t smoke or vape – both can lead to gum disease, bad breath, and oral cancer.

• Avoid chewing on ice, pens, or hard objects to prevent cracking teeth.

• Brush properly – two minutes per session using a soft-bristle brush.

• Clean between teeth with SOMETHING: string floss, floss picks, proxy brushes, etc!

• Change your toothbrush every 3 months to ensure effective cleaning.

• Use a tongue scraper to remove bacteria and improve breath.

Bonus Tip: Track Your Habits!

The free BetterMouth App helps track brushing, flossing, and mouth rinsing so you stay consistent.

Prevention, diet, and habits work together—because healthy teeth aren’t just about brushing, they’re about lifestyle choices! 🦷✨

🎥 This Week’s Video

👅 Dental Pro Tip

If your tooth doesn’t hurt, it doesn’t mean you don’t have a cavity. 

Not all cavities cause tooth pain or sensitivity. In fact, there may be zero symptoms other than a visible dark shadow on your dental X-rays. Without x-rays, sometimes even your dentist can’t see whether a cavity is present! So don’t put off x-rays just because you don’t have any tooth pain – cavities are sneaky and can form without you knowing!

Got a second? Please share your feedback by hitting the toothy smileys below! Tell me what you like and how I can make the Teeth Talk Newsletter better!

☮️❤️🦷 

Whitney