Basic Dental Care in Fairfax Corner
Your basic, at-home dental care routine can help you have healthy teeth and gums for life. You’ll also need to attend regular dental exams and teeth cleanings, but you have a lot of control over your oral health. To keep your teeth and gums healthy, you need to:
- Brush at least twice a day
- Use fluoride toothpaste
- Floss once a day
- Have regular dental exams and teeth cleanings
As you can see, it does not take much to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Remember, it’s never too late to start taking good care of your teeth and gums.
To schedule an appointment for a cleaning with a dentist in Fairfax Corner, who will be your partner in good oral health, click here.
Brush Your Teeth for Two Minutes Twice a Day
Two minutes does not sound like a long time, but singing the Happy Birthday song twice only takes twenty seconds. Humming the Jeopardy theme only takes 30 seconds. It will take you a full two minutes to brush the front, back, and chewing surfaces of every tooth in your mouth properly. Also, don’t forget to brush your tongue gently. It removes bacteria and helps keep your breath fresh. Two minutes, twice a day isn’t too much time out of your day to ensure your good dental health.
Why Is Choosing the Right Toothbrush Important?
The right toothbrush will get your teeth clean without damaging them. Always use a toothbrush with soft bristles. Hard bristles can actually wear away your tooth enamel. Soft-bristled brushes with bristles of varying heights clean better. Replace your toothbrush every three months, or whenever the bristles appear frayed. Store your toothbrush upright and uncovered, so it dries completely between uses. You can also pour a little antibacterial mouthwash over your toothbrush occasionally to help keep it extra clean.
Is Fluoride Toothpaste Important?
Yes, fluoride is extremely important for helping to strengthen tooth enamel, which will help prevent tooth decay. Once you brush, just spit out the extra toothpaste, but don’t rinse rigorously. Any fluoride toothpaste that stays on your teeth provides extra protection.
Small children should not have too much fluoride. They can only use a small amount of fluoride toothpaste, and they should never swallow it. Certain toothpastes for children have lower amounts of fluoride; ask your dentist for recommendations.
Should I Floss Every Day?
Flossing once a day will get rid of plaque and food particles between your teeth where you can’t reach with brushing alone. Flossing helps prevent decay and gum disease, plus removing food particles before they begin to rot will help keep your breath fresh. If you have braces or difficulty using string floss, there are many other options, including water flossers.
What Else Can I Do at Home for My Dental Health?
Your dentist may suggest an antibacterial or fluoride mouthwash if you are at risk for decay or gum disease. If you like the fresh feeling you get using a mouthwash, ask your dentist for a recommendation.
Eat a healthy diet and choose snacks wisely. Most people like a sweet treat occasionally, but avoid anything sticky, like taffy, unless you can brush and floss after eating it. Try to avoid drinking too many soft drinks, even the sugar-free variety. Soda contains an acid that can break down tooth enamel. If you indulge, use a straw to limit exposure to your teeth.
What Can I Do If I’m Out and About?
Keep a travel toothbrush, a tiny tube of toothpaste, and a few floss picks with you, either in your desk at work, or in your briefcase or handbag. You can discretely excuse yourself and ensure you have fresh breath (and nothing embarrassingly stuck between your teeth) after a business lunch. There are also disposable toothbrushes, sold in boxes, that are easy to use on-the-go. Sugarless gum is also a good way to clean your teeth on the go. If all else fails, rinse your mouth out with water after a meal when you can’t brush.
How Can Regular Dentist Checkups Improve My Overall Health?
If you schedule your regular dental exams at our office, your dentist will do an oral cancer screening. If cancer is caught early, it could save your life. Your dentist can also give you tips about quitting tobacco use, which can lower your risk of developing oral cancer.
It’s also important to prevent gum disease, which can lead to an increased risk for other health problems, such as cardiovascular diseases and other chronic health problems. Pregnant women with poor oral health also have a greater chance of experiencing premature labor. All in all, your dentist is your best resource for information on how to keep your oral health in prime condition.
Maintain a healthy mouth, schedule your dental cleaning and checkup by clicking here.
How Can My Dentist in Fairfax Corner Help with My Basic Dental Care?
Your dentist will encourage you to get your teeth professionally cleaned every six months. Dental cleanings can help reduce your risk of developing cavities or gum disease even if you’re diligent about brushing and flossing. Regular teeth cleanings also help brighten your teeth and reduce surface staining.
Regular exams every six months from your dentist can catch cavities, gum disease, and oral cancer when the issues are easier to treat and you can expect better outcomes. Your dentist can also make suggestions to improve your oral care routine at home and he or she is uniquely qualified to recommend products that can help you lower your risk factors for dental diseases.
Remember, you, along with a little help from a dentist, can keep your smile healthy and bright. Schedule your checkup and teeth cleaning with us today. We offer convenient appointment times, and we’re very friendly, so you’ll feel right at home.
Keep a healthy mouth, schedule your dental cleaning and checkup by clicking here.
