Is there something about your teeth, gums, or oral health that you dislike or feel embarrassed about? If so, you're not alone; according to a 2024 article by Dentistry IQ, a survey found that 25% of polled American adults feel the same way. 

The good news is that you now have many cosmetic and restorative dentistry options to correct flaws in your teeth, including dental bonding. It's one of the most straightforward and affordable treatments, ideal for filling in minor gaps between teeth, repairing chipped teeth, and correcting discoloration. Dental bonding can also last many years, provided you practice good oral hygiene habits.

Luckily, you've come to the right place. The caring team at A+ Family Dentistry, our cosmetic, emergency, and general dentistry office serving Poway, Sorrento Valley, and San Diego, has shared practical tips to help you maintain your beautiful smile after dental bonding. Please read on.

Brush Twice Daily

Brushing twice daily is critical to maintaining the dental bonding material your San Diego, Sorrento Valley, or Poway dentist has placed. It helps preserve the original color of the bonding material, which your dentist would have matched to the color of your natural pearly whites.

Regular brushing also helps prevent plaque and tartar (hardened plaque) buildup near the treated area. The World Health Organization (WHO) notes that failure to remove plaque through regular, proper toothbrushing can lead to: 

• Dental caries (tooth decay)
• Oral infections
• Tooth loss (especially without treatment)



For more effective twice-daily brushing, choose a tapered-end, soft-bristled toothbrush and good-quality fluoride toothpaste. Use gentle, circular motions to remove plaque and prevent stains from ruining your new dental bonding and pearly whites.

Use Interdental Cleaning Devices at Least Once a Day

Even the best toothbrush cannot reach and clean the spaces between teeth. The good news is that interdental cleaning devices can. Examples of interdental cleaning devices include: 

• Dental floss
• Interdental brushes
• Oral irrigators

As an article published in the MDPI journals points out, the American Dental Association (ADA) recommends using floss or interdental devices at least once a day. Doing so can help remove plaque and food debris missed by a typical toothbrush. So, it's just as crucial to preventing oral diseases like tooth decay and gum disease as brushing.

Flossing is even more crucial if you've had gaps between your teeth fixed through dental bonding or veneers. Your regular toothbrush may have been enough to clean the exposed surfaces before. However, since the bonding materials or veneers have closed the gaps, you'd need floss or interdental brushes to clean the space between them, your teeth, and gums.

Drink Water After Every Meal

Drinking water after meals can help rinse food residue or particles that may have gotten stuck on teeth or restorations like veneers and dental bonding. It's also crucial for better oral and overall health, as it helps prevent dehydration.

Avoid Biting on Hard Objects

One of the most crucial tips your San Diego, Poway, or Sorrento Valley dentist will give you is to avoid biting on objects like pens or bottle caps. Biting on these will only increase the likelihood of the bonding material failing.

Also, please remember that although teeth are tough and strong (thanks to the enamel, their outermost covering), they are also brittle. For this reason, biting on pens or bottle caps can cause damage, such as chipped or broken teeth.

Use Non-Staining Toothpaste and Mouthwash

Some types and brands of toothpaste and mouthwash use ingredients that can stain teeth and dental restorations, like dental bonding and veneers. Avoid such products, especially if they contain cetylpyridinium chloride or stannous fluoride.

Remember, too, that you can get expert oral care advice from reputable dentists in San Diego, Poway, or Sorrento Valley. They can recommend the best types and brands of non-staining oral care products to keep your teeth and dental bonding bright and in top condition.

Quit Smoking

The tar and nicotine alone from tobacco cigarettes can cause unsightly stains on teeth, dental bonding, and other oral restorations. However, smoking is more insidious than that; it's one of the most dangerous habits that can result in people requiring restorative dentistry for damaged and missing teeth.

Not only does smoking damage oral health, its effects apply to almost all body parts, from the eyes to the lungs to the feet. As SmokeFree.gov explains, it harms nearly all organs. It can also: 

• Worsen toothaches
• Cause gum pain
• Impair the body's wound-healing abilities

So, if you smoke, please do your best to kick the habit. Discussing this concern with your caring and friendly general dentist and your family is also ideal. They can give you sound advice that may help you quit and monitor your oral health for possible smoking-related complications.

Regularly Visit the Dentist

One of the best ways to maintain dental bonding and overall oral health is to visit your San Diego County dentist once every six months. During these visits, your dental professional will examine your mouth closely and thoroughly clean your teeth and gums.

A dental examination can reveal any problems that may have developed between visits. If your dentist finds any, they will tell you immediately and inform you of your treatment options.

Professional dental cleaning is just as vital because it removes plaque and tartar buildup. As mentioned above, plaque and tartar can compromise oral health and the longevity of dental restorations. Regular cleanings can help prevent these disease-causing buildups.

Make Your Dental Bonding Last Long

Brushing twice and flossing at least once daily, avoiding biting on hard things, and regular dental visits are all crucial strategies for maintaining your dental bonding and overall oral health. So, implement these tactics to keep your smile dazzling and your teeth and gums healthy.

If you're ready for high-quality general or cosmetic dentistry services, be it dental cleaning, bonding, fillings, or veneers, the compassionate and highly experienced dentists and caring staff at A+ Family Dentistry are happy to take care of your needs! We've done the same for our other happy patients throughout San Diego County for over 20 years.

Schedule your appointment today at our Poway, San Diego, or Sorrento Valley office!