The start of a new year is the perfect time for a fresh start for your smile. At Dechter & Moy Dentistry in Silver Spring, Dr. Alan Dechter and Dr. Matthew Moy believe that great oral health is one of the most rewarding resolutions you can make. Why? Because a healthy, confident smile impacts how you feel every single day.
The good news is that achieving a healthier smile doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s about building simple, consistent habits that work for you. As your trusted local dentists for over 40 years, serving families in Aspen Hill, Kensington, and throughout Silver Spring, we’re here to be your partners. Let’s break down a straightforward, effective oral hygiene plan you can start today.
The Daily Foundation: Consistency is Your Superpower
Your at-home routine is your smile’s first line of defense. Think of it like taking a daily shower for your mouth. It clears away the buildup from the day (and night) before.
- Brush Twice a Day, Every Day: Brush in the morning to clear away the bacteria that multiply overnight. Brush again at night to remove the day’s accumulation of food particles and plaque. This two-a-day habit prevents that sticky film from hardening into tartar that only a professional can remove.
- Floss Once a Day, No Exceptions: If you only do one thing to level up your routine, make it this. Your toothbrush can’t reach the tight sides of your teeth or just under the gumline. Flossing cleans these critical areas, preventing cavities between teeth and gum disease where it starts. It’s the single most important step people skip. Don’t let it be you!
Choosing Your Tools: It Doesn’t Have to Be Fancy, Just Effective
You don’t need the most expensive gadgets, but using the right tools correctly makes all the difference.
- Your Toothbrush: A soft-bristled brush is best for gently cleaning without harming gums or enamel. Whether manual or electric, replace it (or the head) every 3-4 months, or as soon as the bristles look frayed. Worn-out bristles don’t clean effectively.
- Your Toothpaste: Look for the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Acceptance and fluoride. Fluoride is a superhero mineral that strengthens enamel and helps reverse the earliest stages of decay.
- Your Floss: Traditional string floss works wonderfully. If you find it tricky, try floss picks or a water flosser (like a Waterpik). Water flossers are especially helpful if you have braces, bridges, or dental implants. The best floss is the one you’ll actually use every day.
Mastering the Technique: It’s All in the Details
Using great tools the wrong way limits their power. Here’s how to get the most out of your routine:
- Brushing: Use gentle, short strokes. Angle the brush at 45 degrees toward your gumline to clean where the tooth meets the gum. Brush for a full two minutes. Try setting a timer or listening to a song! Don’t forget the chewing surfaces and the backs of your teeth.
- Flossing: Gently guide the floss between teeth, curving it into a “C” shape against one tooth and sliding it up and down. Use a clean section of floss for each tooth. If it bleeds a little at first, don’t stop. This is a sign of gingivitis, and consistent flossing will make it healthier and stop the bleeding within a week or two.
The Non-Negotiable Step: Your Professional Cleanings & Check-Ups
No matter how diligent you are at home, professional cleanings are essential. Here’s why:
- Tartar Removal: Plaque that isn’t removed hardens into tartar and calculus. Tartar is cemented to your teeth and can only be removed with the special tools our skilled hygienists use.
- Deeper Cleaning: We clean those hard-to-reach areas you might miss and give you a polish that makes your teeth feel incredibly smooth.
- Early Detection: During your check-up, Dr. Dechter or Dr. Moy performs a thorough exam. We look for early signs of cavities, gum disease, oral cancer, and other issues you can’t see. Catching problems early makes treatment simpler, more affordable, and less invasive. Most patients benefit from a cleaning and check-up every six months.
Why Choose Dechter & Moy as Your Dental Home in Silver Spring?
We know that “going to the dentist” can be a source of anxiety for many. That’s why we’ve built our entire practice around your comfort and trust.
- Relationship Dentistry: We take time to get to know you. We listen to your concerns, explain things clearly, and never rush you. You’re a person, not a chart.
- A Comfort-First Environment: From our warm team to our office designed to feel like home, we prioritize your peace of mind. For patients with higher anxiety, we offer a private treatment room with its own entrance.
- Expertise You Can Trust: With Dr. Dechter’s 42+ years of experience and Dr. Moy’s advanced Dawson Academy training, you’re in skilled, gentle hands. We combine a love for modern technology with old-fashioned care.
Make This the Year You Prioritize Your Smile
A healthy smile contributes to your overall health, confidence, and life. There’s no better time than now to renew your commitment.
If it’s been more than six months since your last cleaning, or if you’re looking for a new dental home in Silver Spring where you’ll be treated with patience and respect, visit Dechter & Moy Dentistry. Give us a call at (301) 508-9755 or request an appointment online. Let’s work together to make this the year of your healthiest, most confident smile yet.