Brush up on your smile!

By Cheah Chia Wei, Mohd Zamri Hussin

Photo by Diana Polekhina - Unsplash

A smile is not just a sign of joy - it is a powerful reflection of your overall health and well-being. Yet, many still believe that keeping teeth clean is solely the dentist’s job. The truth is, your oral health is in your hands.

Plaque - a sticky film of bacteria - constantly forms on your teeth and gums. If left unchecked, it can lead to tooth decay and gum disease, quietly damaging your mouth over time. That is why it is so important to make daily oral care a personal habit, not just something done before a dental visit. And remember, oral hygiene is not one-size-fits-all. If you have crowded teeth, dental bridges, implants, dentures, or wear braces, keeping your mouth clean can be even more challenging. These conditions call for extra care, tailored tools, and proper technique to stay ahead of dental problems.

Many of us first learned how to take care of our teeth back in school, thanks to the School Dental Service by the Ministry of Health Malaysia, our teachers, or our parents. But as we grow older, it is easy to forget the right way to keep our mouths clean. A recent study from Universiti Malaya found that just hearing advice from the dentist is not always enough - especially for people wearing braces. Watching videos that show proper oral care techniques can make a big difference in helping them maintain good dental hygiene.

These days, with smartphones and the internet, there is a flood of information on apps like TikTok, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter). While some of it is helpful, a lot of it can be confusing or even wrong! That is why it is important to know how to tell the difference between good advice and bad advice - a skill known as health literacy. Being health literate means knowing where to find trusted information and understanding how to use it to take better care of yourself and your smile.

One trustworthy resource we recommend is the Lifelong Smiles Project, available online at https://lifelongsmiles.hk/. This project, led by Prof. Dr. Mihai Tarce, who is both a gum specialist and software engineer, and his team from the Faculty of Dentistry at the University of Hong Kong, provides valuable information on proper self-care at home. The website is multilingual, including versions in Mainland Chinese, Hong Kong Chinese, and Bahasa Melayu, with plans to translate it into other languages as well. Dental specialists from Universiti Malaya have also contributed to the Bahasa Melayu version of the educational videos.

The goal of the Lifelong Smiles Project is simple: to make it easier for everyone to take care of their teeth and gums, using the latest digital tools. This free website offers easy-to-follow guides on how to brush, floss, and use special brushes to clean between teeth. It also has helpful videos that show the right techniques in action. The website is not just useful for the public - it also helps dentists and dental nurses create personalised cleaning plans for their patients. With clear, up-to-date, and trustworthy information, the Lifelong Smiles Project makes sure that people get the best advice to care for their oral health safely and effectively.

Five simple habits for a healthy smile

Taking care of your teeth and gums does not have to be complicated. Here are some easy tips to keep your mouth healthy every day:

1. Brush Twice a Day

Brush your teeth in the morning and before bed using a fluoride toothpaste. Take your time - spend at least two minutes brushing all surfaces of your teeth. You can use a regular or electric toothbrush. Do not rush it - slow and steady brushing works best! Swap out your toothbrush or toothbrush head every three months, or sooner if the bristles look worn out.

2. Clean Between Your Teeth

Once a day, use floss or small interdental brushes to clean between your teeth where your toothbrush cannot reach. If your teeth are close together, floss might work better. Doing this before brushing can help remove plaque more effectively and make fluoride work better in those hard-to-reach spots. Nowadays, floss and interdental brushes are easily available at dental clinics, most pharmacies, and online stores.

3. Use Mouthwash (Optional)

Mouthwash can be a helpful extra step after brushing - it helps reduce plaque and freshens your breath. Choose an antiseptic mouthwash for best results.

4. Visit the Dentist Regularly

Try to see your dentist at least once a year for a check-up and cleaning. Gum disease can start quietly, so it is good to ask your dentist to check both your teeth and gums. They can also recommend the best cleaning techniques for you.

5. Practise a Healthy Lifestyle

A healthy mouth starts with a healthy lifestyle.

• Habits like smoking can damage your gums and increase the risk of mouth cancer.

• An unbalanced diet can weaken your immune system, making your mouth more prone to inflammation and infection.

• Eating too many sugary foods or drinks can lead to tooth decay, so it is important to cut down on sugar where possible.

• Regular physical activity helps improve blood flow, including to your gums. High stress levels can also affect gum health.

• Make sure to drink enough plain water every day to keep your mouth moist and help wash away food particles and bacteria.

A happy mouth, a happy mind

Taking care of your mouth is more than just keeping your teeth clean - it is a big part of staying healthy overall. This year’s World Oral Health Day campaign reminds us of that with the motto: “A Happy Mouth Is… A Happy Mind.”

Good oral health does not just protect your teeth and gums - it can also boost your confidence and improve your mental well-being. When your mouth feels good, you feel better too. We want to encourage everyone to make oral care a daily habit and understand how important it is to their overall health.

Taking simple steps every day - like brushing, flossing, and seeing your dentist regularly - can help prevent problems before they start. And prevention is always cheaper and easier than treatment later on.

Your journey to a healthy mouth starts today. Just a little care each day keeps your smile bright and strong for life.

So brush up on your smile - it’s worth it!

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Dr. Cheah Chia Wei and Dr. Mohd Zamri Hussin are from the Department of Restorative Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Universiti Malaya.

Cheah Chia Wei

Mohd Zamri Hussin