A general dentist will tell you that the habits you develop play a vital role in the quality of your long-term oral health, and good daily habits can significantly reduce the risk of cavities, gum disease and other common oral health concerns. By understanding the most effective habits and making an effort to implement them daily, you can keep your teeth healthy and looking great at all times.
Oral health is not something that happens at once but is instead the accumulation of good habits practiced daily to keep enamel strong and gums healthy. The following are tips from a general dentist about five effective habits to develop that improve oral health.
Perhaps the most well-known tip a general dentist has to offer is to brush at least twice a day, but good oral care through brushing is about more than just how often the person brushes. It is important to brush the right way as well. Brushing properly should include not placing too much pressure upon teeth and gums to avoid gum erosion or enamel damage, ensuring that all areas of the mouth are cleaned (not just the teeth) and keeping the toothbrush in good condition and clean.
Fluoride is tooth enamel’s best friend, and it strengthens enamel, which allows it to fight back against acidic attacks caused by bacteria and food particles. Be sure to talk to a general dentist about how often you should use fluoride treatment, particularly fluoride-based mouthwash. Some general dentists recommend using it every day, along with a fluoride-based toothpaste.
Flossing is one of the most neglected tasks when it comes to oral health, but it is incredibly beneficial to develop consistent flossing habits. Flossing works to remove food particles in between teeth that are not easily reachable by brushing, and mouthwash does not always wash away food particles that are stuck. Ideally, it is best to floss after each meal, but once or twice a day can make a huge difference as well.
An easy tip to implement daily is to drink water throughout the day. Water washes away bacteria and food particles inside the mouth that create an acidic erosion if left for too long. Instead of drinking soft drinks, coffee, tea or other beverages harmful to teeth, consider taking sips of water each hour of the day.
Most of the work toward good oral health happens at home, but there are certain complications that are not easily identified without an oral examination by a dental professional. To ensure that oral health issues are identified early and do not worsen, visit the dentist for regular checkups and routine dental cleanings.
If you have oral health concerns or have not visited the general dentist for more than six months, then feel free to reach out to us to schedule a time to come in for a checkup and routine cleaning.
Are you considering a general dentist in the Ashburn area? Get more information at https://www.oaktreedentalashburn.com.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: General Dentist in Ashburn, VA.
It is common knowledge that oral health is important and includes regular visits to the general dentist. However, due to busy schedules, there is hardly any time to keep up with those appointments, especially if people do not know what to expect. Routine dental appointments help ensure that potential issues never develop or get out…
Wondering if bruxism treatment is your next step because you are constantly grinding or clenching your teeth? While the underlying reasons for why someone clenches or grinds their teeth are still being researched, it is believed that lifestyle factors play a large part. Bruxism is more commonly diagnosed in those who have a sleeping disorder,…
Whether we visit a dentist for a major denture implant or to replace a filling, we seek an experienced professional who knows their job. A professional dentist always considers it important to inform you about the pros and cons of your dental treatment. In recent years, many dentists have raised their concerns about the safety…
Thinking about making an appointment with a dentist to find out the reason why you are experiencing headaches? There are numerous reasons why you may be experiencing your headaches and seeing a dentist can help you find out the reason why. The most common reason why people will experience dental-related headaches is that they either…
After getting dental veneers, you will want to have a plan for the next several days and weeks. Veneers are sometimes known as “instant orthodontics” because they can drastically reshape and whiten your teeth. It is very rare to experience side effects from dental veneers. However, it is possible that you will experience temperature sensitivity…
One of the perks of choosing Invisalign® trays for tooth alignment is that there is no need for major dietary changes during treatment. Patients can still enjoy some of their favorite foods and treats without worrying about damaging brackets and wires. There is also no risk of food particles becoming lodged under or between appliances…