Nothing’s quite as satisfying as when your smile transformation is complete. All of a sudden, you feel confident about smiling and laughing with your teeth on display. You don’t have to smile through pursed lips anymore. You feel comfortable and confident in your social and professional lives. A beautiful smile can truly transform your life. 

And the journey isn’t over once you have a new smile. Maintaining and caring for your smile after the transformation is just as important as the transformation itself. Following proper oral hygiene habits will help maintain the quality and appearance of your new smile. Each transformation comes with its unique set of maintenance tips. However, all transformations require optimal oral hygiene. 

Below, we list some tips on taking care of your new smile. 

• Brush your teeth twice a day 

You should brush your teeth at least twice a day using a dentist-recommended toothpaste. Bad brushing habits lead to the accumulation of plaque and tartar in your teeth, which, in turn, can cause bacterial infections and ruin your smile. While brushing, you should use the correct strokes to dislodge and remove the plaque and tartar to prevent gum disease.  Your ACCD hygienist can provide you with some tips on proper brushing if you need them. 

• Use fluoride toothpaste 

Most people don’t consider their toothpaste options. Some only look at the toothpaste’s whitening potential. However, you should also consider the toothpaste’s fluoride content. You should look for fluoride toothpaste because it strengthens your teeth and prevents bacterial decay, allowing you to maintain a flawless smile without cavities.  Your ACCD hygienist can provide you with some recommendations on toothpaste. 

• Brush or clean your tongue 

Most people neglect their tongues while brushing. However, plaque and tartar can also accumulate on the tongue, leading to bacterial decay and bad breath. You can brush your tongue with your toothbrush or use a special scraping tool. 

• Floss regularly 

Flossing once a day is just as important as brushing regularly. You can’t remove all the small pieces of foods stuck between your teeth with regular brushing. However, flossing carefully removes all the food particles, minimizing the risk of bacterial decay and plaque accumulation. As such, flossing is crucial to the maintenance of a perfect smile.  Your ACCD hygienist can give you some tips on proper flossing. 

• Rinse your mouth with an antibacterial mouthwash 

Rinsing your mouth with an antibacterial mouthwash is crucial for overall oral health. Rinsing regularly provides three crucial benefits. It reduces your mouth’s acidic content, clears the harder-to-reach areas, and remineralizes your teeth. You should use an antibacterial or prescription mouthwash to prevent bacterial accumulation or decay. 

• Stay hydrated 

Drinking plenty of water is good for most of your body processes, but it’s especially useful for overall oral health. Regular hydration washes away all the food particles and acidic substances from your mouth. It also promotes dental cleanliness after meals. You should drink plenty of water between meals. 

• Fresh, crunchy, and fibrous fruits and vegetables 

You should eat plenty of fresh, crunchy, and fibrous fruits and vegetables. They contain more healthy fibers that help remove the tiny particles of food from hard-to-reach areas. Crunchy vegetables are always better for oral health than mushy, processed foods. 

• Regular dental cleaning and checkups 

Schedule dental cleanings and checkups with your dentist at least once every six months. Even patients with flawless oral hygiene must go for dental cleanings to remove all the plaque and tartar accumulated in their teeth. Not only does the dentist remove all the accumulated plaque, but they examine all your dental products, like veneers, crowns, etc., to ensure they work perfectly. If there are any problems, they address the issues before they worsen. 

If you follow all the tips and advice mentioned above, you’ll enjoy your new smile for years or decades to come.