Developing A Good Oral Care Routine

Developing a good oral care routine is one of the best things you can do to maintain a healthy mouth. Effective oral care routines should include practicing healthy habits at home and scheduling regular dental exams and cleanings. Doing all of these things regularly helps prevent oral health problems, such as gum disease or cavities. At VA Smile Makers in Vienna, our experienced dentists, Dr. Sherry Anoushfar and Dr. Mohsen Izadi, can help you develop an effective oral care routine.

Effective Oral Hygiene Habits

There are many components to a good oral care routine. A key aspect of a good routine is implementing daily habits, such as brushing and flossing. The recommendation is to brush teeth twice each day using a toothpaste that contains fluoride, which helps prevent cavities. Additionally, it is important to brush gently using a toothbrush with soft-bristles. Brushing too harshly can damage teeth and gums by wearing away tooth enamel or causing gums to recede.

Another effective habit to develop is limiting sugary foods and drinks in the diet. When sugars react with bacteria in the mouth, acid is produced. Acid is a problem because it erodes tooth enamel, which leaves teeth at greater risk for infection and decay. Another step to take in promoting better oral health is to either avoid smoking or stop if you currently smoke. Chronic smoking is associated with an increased risk for developing gum disease, which can lead to tooth loss.

Checkups and Cleanings

Scheduling regular dental checkups and professional cleanings are also part of a good oral care routine. An oral exam with one of the skilled dentists at our office in Vienna is a great way to catch oral health issues in their early stages. When problems are caught early, they can be treated promptly before they get worse. For example, untreated tooth decay could eventually result in the need for a root canal or extraction of the tooth. Periodic dental checkups make it possible to treat decay right away before it becomes more serious.

Regular checkups also include professional dental cleanings, which play an essential role in maintaining a healthy mouth. While brushing and flossing at home daily helps promote better oral health, neither can completely remove tartar from the teeth. A professional dental cleaning is the only way to remove stubborn tartar buildup, which can lead to cavities, gum disease, and other oral health concerns.

A good oral care routine is the key to keeping your mouth as healthy as possible. An effective routine can ward off infection, decay, and other issues. To schedule your next dental exam with Dr. Anoushfar or Dr. Izadi, our knowledgeable dentists, call VA Smile Makers in Vienna, VA, at (703) 319-9880. We also have an office in Reston, VA, which can be reached by calling (703) 318-8133.