Are You Keeping Good Oral Hygiene Habits?
posted: Jan. 29, 2017.
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What your dentist in Woodbridge wants you to know
A healthy smile can help you look great, and feel great. It all begins with keeping good oral hygiene habits. A great oral hygiene regimen is easier than you think, and only takes a few minutes out of your day, but the effort is worth it and can give you a lifetime of beautiful smiles. Dr. Marv Thomas at the Dental Spa in Woodbridge, VA, wants to help you discover how easy it is to keep good oral hygiene habits.
When you maintain your oral health, it is a vital step in maintaining the health of your body too. In fact, if your mouth is unhealthy it can contribute to your risk of:
A good oral hygiene regimen is about one thing: removing the plaque on the surfaces of your teeth. Plaque contains millions of harmful bacteria which produce poisons that can destroy your teeth, bone, and the soft tissues of your mouth. If you don’t brush and floss, before you know it, you could have dental decay or periodontal disease. That’s why you need to remove plaque thoroughly and regularly.
You can remove plaque by using a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Using gentle, circular movements, clean all surfaces of your teeth and along the gumline. You can also gently brush your tongue because it’s a breeding ground for food residue and hidden bacteria.
Floss daily to get in between your teeth where a toothbrush can’t reach. Dental decay and periodontal disease often begin in between teeth. Using a single piece of floss, wrap around each tooth as you floss. This ensures you reach difficult access places. You can also use threaders or floss picks if you have dexterity issues or hand problems.
Another vital part of an excellent oral hygiene regimen is scheduling regular visits to your dentist. You should see your dentist at least yearly for an exam and x-rays, and have professional cleanings at least every six months. Dr. Thomas uses only the latest high-tech x-ray equipment and tools to ensure accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Keeping good oral hygiene habits is easy and important to help ensure you have a lifetime of healthy smiles. For more information about oral hygiene and dental treatments, call Dr.Thomas at the Dental Spa in Woodbridge, VA. Get started on your healthy smile by calling today!