Keeping your teeth healthy doesn’t require complicated routines or expensive products—just consistent habits and smart choices. As your trusted Marysville dentist, Dr. Brad A. Larreau and Dr. Steven Thomas see firsthand how simple daily practices make the difference between patients who sail through checkups and those who face constant dental problems. The good news? Most dental issues are preventable when you know what to do and actually do it.
We’ve spent years helping Marysville families understand what truly matters for dental health, and we’re excited to share the strategies that work. These aren’t theoretical tips from a textbook—they’re proven approaches we recommend based on real results we see in our patients every single day.
The Foundation: Brushing Technique That Actually Works
You’ve brushed your teeth many times, but are you doing it correctly? Most brush too hard, fast, or miss areas. Here’s what works: hold your toothbrush at 45 degrees to your gumline, using gentle circular motions instead of aggressive back-and-forth scrubbing.
Brush for at least two minutes—30 seconds per quadrant. It feels longer, but most brush only 45 seconds and wonder about cavities. Use a timer or an electric toothbrush with one. Brushing thoroughly for two minutes makes a difference.
Brush in the morning after breakfast and at night before bed. Brushing before breakfast means you brush again after eating. The night brush is the most vital—it reduces bacteria as saliva decreases during sleep, which can attack teeth.
Flossing: The Step Nobody Wants to Do But Everyone Needs
Most people don’t floss regularly, and their gums show it at checkups. Brushing only cleans about 60% of teeth; the 40% between teeth is vulnerable to cavities and gum disease. Floss daily, ideally at night, using 18 inches of floss, winding it around middle fingers, and gently inserting it between teeth with a C-shape motion—avoiding snapping. If traditional floss frustrates you, try floss picks, water flossers, or interdental brushes. The best method is the one you’ll use consistently; as long as you clean between teeth daily, any tool works.
Diet Choices That Protect Your Teeth
What you eat dramatically impacts your dental health, sometimes in unexpected ways. Obviously, sugar feeds the bacteria that cause cavities, but the frequency of exposure matters more than the total amount. Sipping on a soda all day does way more damage than drinking one with lunch and then rinsing your mouth with water.
Acidic foods and drinks—think citrus fruits, tomatoes, coffee, and wine—temporarily soften enamel. Brushing immediately after consuming them can actually scrub away weakened enamel. Wait at least 30 minutes after eating or drinking anything acidic before brushing. Rinse with water right away instead.
Foods that protect your teeth include crunchy vegetables like carrots and celery (they stimulate saliva production), cheese and other dairy products (they neutralize acids and provide calcium), and nuts (they’re low in sugar and provide healthy fats). Green and black teas contain compounds that suppress harmful oral bacteria. Just watch out for added sugar and be mindful of staining.
Why Your Marysville Dentist Emphasizes Regular Checkups
Even with perfect home care, you need professional attention every six months. Dr. Larreau and Dr. Thomas catch problems in their earliest stages when treatment remains simple and inexpensive. That tiny cavity we spot during an exam? We can fix it with a small filling. Wait until it hurts; you might need a root canal or extraction.
Professional cleanings remove tartar buildup that your toothbrush and floss can’t touch. Once plaque hardens into tartar, only specialized instruments can remove it. Let it accumulate, and you’re setting yourself up for gum disease, which affects not just your mouth but your overall health, too.
Protecting Your Teeth From Daily Damage
Your teeth endure a lot throughout the day, and some habits cause more harm than you realize. Chewing ice, biting nails, or using your teeth to open packages can crack or chip them. Grinding or clenching your teeth—often during sleep—wears down enamel and can cause pain, sensitivity, and damage over time.
If you grind your teeth at night, a custom nightguard protects them from excessive wear. Dr. Larreau creates these for your mouth, ensuring proper fit and comfort. Store-bought guards don’t fit as well and often feel bulky, so people stop wearing them.
A mouthguard prevents knocked-out or broken teeth for athletes or anyone involved in contact activities. We’ve seen too many preventable dental injuries from sports accidents. A custom mouthguard fits better and protects more effectively than generic versions.
Addressing Problems Before They Escalate
Don’t ignore warning signs like tooth sensitivity, bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, or chewing pain. These symptoms signal underlying problems that worsen without treatment. What starts as minor gum inflammation can progress to periodontitis, leading to tooth loss if left unchecked.
If you chip or crack a tooth, call us right away. Our restorative dentistry services repair damage quickly, often in a single visit, thanks to our CEREC technology, which creates custom crowns right here in the office. No temporary crowns, no waiting weeks for a lab—we restore your tooth the same day.
The Connection Between Oral Health and Overall Wellness
Your mouth doesn’t exist in isolation from the rest of your body. Gum disease is linked to heart disease, diabetes, respiratory infections, and pregnancy complications. Bacteria from your mouth can enter your bloodstream and affect other organs. Taking care of your teeth literally protects your entire body.
Poor dental health affects your nutrition, too. If chewing hurts or you’ve lost teeth, you might avoid healthy foods like fresh fruits and vegetables, leading to nutritional deficiencies. General dentistry care ensures you can eat a varied, nutritious diet comfortably.
Cosmetic Improvements That Support Health
Sometimes improving your smile’s appearance also improves its function and health. Cosmetic dentistry isn’t just about vanity—straightening crooked teeth makes them easier to clean, reducing cavity risk. Replacing missing teeth prevents remaining teeth from shifting and maintains proper bite alignment.
We help patients achieve smiles they’re proud of while ensuring those smiles stay healthy for the long haul. The two goals go hand in hand more often than you’d think.
Making Dental Care Accessible
Cost concerns prevent many people from maintaining regular dental care. Our loyalty program helps patients without insurance access the preventive care they need at affordable rates. Financial barriers shouldn’t stop anyone from having healthy teeth.
At Seven Lakes Dental, we’ve built our practice around making patients comfortable while providing exceptional care. Whether you need routine maintenance or more extensive treatment, we’re here to help.
Start Building Better Habits Today
Strong, healthy teeth don’t happen accidentally—they result from consistent care and smart choices. As your Marysville dentist, we’re committed to partnering with you in maintaining your oral health for life. These tips work, but only if you actually implement them.Ready to take your dental health to the next level? Contact Seven Lakes Dental today to schedule your next appointment with Dr. Brad A. Larreau or Dr. Steven Thomas. Let’s work together to keep your smile healthy, strong, and beautiful.