How to Care for Your Oral Health

Did you know that a smile is one of the first things people notice about other people? Prevention and routine maintenance are the best ways to ensure that you have a smile that stays healthy and beautiful. You’ll reduce your risk of painful dental disease and feel confident smiling at friends, family, coworkers, and strangers.

In this blog post, we discuss tips to care for your teeth and gums. So, ready to take control of your oral health? Read on!

• At-Home Daily Oral Hygiene

The most critical oral healthcare happens at home. Your teeth need to be regularly cleaned of bacteria and food debris.

Brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time and floss every day. These daily tasks will help prevent bacteria from accumulating into a sticky film called plaque. Some patients over the age of 12 may benefit from also rinsing with an alcohol-free mouthwash.

• Balanced Diet

Your diet has a significant impact on your oral health. Drink plenty of water to keep your mouth hydrated. Saliva is critical for the enamel remineralization process and helps reduce the amount of bad bacteria. Be sure to incorporate foods that contain nutrients that promote healthy teeth and gums, such as calcium, vitamin D, potassium, phosphorus, vitamin K, vitamin C, and vitamin A.

Consume sugary food and beverages in moderation. Keep your carbohydrate intake to about 45-65% of your total daily calories. Oral bacteria feed upon your dietary sugar and carbohydrates, then produce acidic byproducts that damage your enamel and increase your risk of cavities.

• Avoid Tobacco Products

Avoid smoking or chewing tobacco. Tobacco products cause tooth discoloration and bad breath, and increase your risk of gum disease and oral cancer.

• Biannual Dental Cleanings & Checkups

If it’s been longer than six months since your last dental cleaning and examination, schedule a dental appointment at Ballston Dental Care, your dentist in Arlington, VA! Routine dental cleanings help prevent dental disease by removing plaque and tartar, and a checkup allows our team to detect and treat dental disease in its early stages to save you time, money, and unnecessary pain.

Patients with existing dental disease and certain health conditions may benefit from dental cleanings and checkups more frequently than every six months. If you think this applies to you, consult with our team!

Routine preventive oral healthcare helps keep your natural teeth healthy and strong so you can avoid restorative dental treatment. For assistance achieving optimal oral health, contact us about our comprehensive dental services. We look forward to serving you and your family in Arlington, VA!