Are You Keeping Good Oral Hygiene Habits?

Now is the time to make adjustments to your current dental care routine for a healthier smile. 

You are so used to your morning or nightly oral care routine that you probably don’t really think much about it, right? If you are currently going into autopilot while caring for your teeth, then it’s easy to miss spots or not even realize that you aren’t providing your teeth and gums with the quality at-home care they need to ward against decay and gum disease. From the office of our Manassas, VA, cosmetic dentist, Dr. Thao Bui-Nguyen, here are some tips to improve your oral hygiene,

Brushing 

If you want a sparkling smile, here are some ways to improve your current brushing routine:

• Brush at least twice a day for a minimum of 2-3 minutes each time
• Use fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush
• Make sure that you aren’t brushing too hard (an electric toothbrush applies the appropriate amount of pressure to your teeth)
• Change your toothbrush head every 3-4 months and immediately after being sick
• Make sure that you are brushing both the front and back surfaces of your teeth, as well as the tongue, roof of your mouth, and cheeks

Flossing 

According to a survey conducted by the CDC, only around 16 percent of people floss every day, which is way too low of a number. Make sure that you are:

• Flossing at least once a day right before brushing your teeth
• Using enough floss each time you floss (you will need about 18 inches of floss)
• Be gentle when guiding floss into and back out of spaces between teeth
• Use a clean section of floss for each tooth

Diet 

What you eat every day can have an impact, not just on your smile’s appearance, but also the health of your teeth and gums. While our Manassas, VA, dentist has probably told you about the dangers of sugar, here are some other tips to follow:

• Limit starches from your diet and swap out with healthier options (for example, instead of white pasta opt for whole grain pasta)
• Limit dark-colored foods and drinks, which can cause stains
• Limit acidic foods and drinks including sports drinks, sodas and fruit juices, which can erode enamel and cause cavities
• Maintain a diet that is rich in whole, unprocessed foods, such as vegetables, whole grains, fruits, legumes, nuts and seeds, and low-fat (or non-fat) dairy

Even though our office is temporarily closed due to Covid-19, our Manassas, VA, dentist and his team are still providing emergency dental care. So, if you are dealing with an urgent matter such as a broken tooth or a toothache, please call us at (703) 361-3261.