Tips for maintaining good oral hygiene

Good oral and dental hygiene forms the foundation of good oral health. At Stonewall Dental Associates, our dentists are dedicated to providing comprehensive hygiene services to our patients that include professional dental cleanings and guidance in good at-home oral hygiene to help patients have optimal oral health. As we know, the journey towards good oral health starts with proper oral hygiene. Here are our recommendations on how to practice good oral hygiene and maintain good oral and dental health:

• Brush your teeth regularly

Brushing your teeth at least twice per day, for two minutes each time, is vital for your oral health. Brushing your teeth helps to continue removing bacteria, food debris, and plaque from the surface of your teeth. These daily habits will help to prevent cavities.

In addition to brushing, it is important to floss at least once a day. Flossing helps to remove food particles, plaque, and bacteria that get trapped between teeth and along the gum line. If you don’t floss, you are missing cleaning 35% of the tooth surfaces.

• Regular dental visits

The regularity of dental visits is often determined by the severity of the patient’s dental condition. Those who are undergoing periodontal treatment may require more frequent dental visits than those who simply need to maintain their healthy, beautiful smiles. The American Dental Association recommends everyone visit their dentist at least twice every year. 

• Eat a healthy diet

Eating a healthy diet is one of the most effective ways to maintain good dental health. By eating a diet high in vegetables, fruits, and whole grains, you can reduce your risk of gum disease.

Not only does a healthy diet help your oral health, but it can also influence your whole-body health. Eating a diet high in vegetables, fruits, and whole grains can help prevent numerous health problems such as diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.

• Avoid tobacco products

Smoking and tobacco use of any kind can seriously harm oral health. It can lead to gum disease, tooth loss, and even an increased risk of oral cancer. Tobacco can also stain the teeth and make the breath smell bad. If you don’t smoke, avoid being around people who do.

• Drink water regularly

Water is the best beverage for your body, including your mouth. It is free of sugar and acids, which can erode your tooth enamel. Drinking water also helps rinse out your mouth. Aim to drink at least eight glasses of water each day. Water helps keep your mouth clean and can make your teeth stronger.

• Reduce your sugar intake

Have you tried cutting back on your sugar intake? Though sugar isn’t necessarily “bad,” consuming too much of it can increase cavity risk. When you eat sugar, the bacteria in your mouth feed off the sugar, creating acid. In turn, the acid eats away at your tooth enamel, causing tooth decay.

• Dental sealants for children and adults

Dental sealants are a plastic coating that is painted onto the chewing surfaces of teeth to prevent tooth decay. These plastic coatings are applied to teeth by a dentist and can prevent the need for fillings or crowns in children and adults. Dental sealants fill in the deep pits and grooves of teeth, which tend to trap food particles and bacteria. The plastic coating is smooth and will seal out bacteria, helping to prevent cavities in children and adults.

Stonewall Dental Associates, located in Manassas, VA, is equipped with efficient dentists and modern amenities that enable the best dental care facilities for the patient. Dial (703) 368-1000 and schedule a consultation with the dentist to know more about dental tips and receive a complete dental checkup for you and your family.