We often talk about dentistry’s various preventive, corrective, restorative, and cosmetic treatments and procedures. Each of these is distinct and has a specific goal. In considering the full range of treatments and procedures aimed at optimizing our oral health, we sometimes gloss over the one true goal of all dental care: keeping teeth, gums, and the structures that support them healthy. It’s obvious and simplistic, but that’s it. How pretty a person’s smile is only really matters if that smile is healthy.
Let’s keep things simple today. Here are a half-dozen straightforward but crucial techniques for keeping your smile and bite in optimal health.
Best Practices for Healthy Teeth and Optimal Oral Health
Here are our top six practices to ensure are part of your oral hygiene routine to ensure the long-term health of your teeth and gums:
- Brush frequently and with proper technique — Brush your teeth at least twice daily using fluoride toothpaste, using a gentle, circular motion, at about a 45-degree angle toward the gumline.
- Floss daily — Flossing daily removes plaque and food particles between teeth that brushing can't reach. Proper flossing helps prevent bacteria, gum disease, cavities, and bad breath.
- Use mouthwash — Regularly using an antibacterial mouthwash reduces the buildup of bacteria that cause gum disease and freshens breath.
- Watch your diet – Overly sugary and acidic foods and beverages can contribute to tooth decay and enamel erosion.
- Visit your dentist regularly — Bi-annual dental check-ups and cleanings not only remove plaque and tartar from your teeth and gums but also allow your dentist to detect and preemptively address any issues before they become serious problems.
- Protect your teeth from trauma — If you play contact sports or grind your teeth at night, wear a mouthguard to protect your teeth from injury or excessive wear.
Orthodontic Care at Home
Quality Dental Care and Cavity Prevention in Harrisonburg, VA
If you’re looking for a dental team in the Harrisonburg, VA, area to help you and your family adopt and maintain oral health practices to steer you clear of oral health issues like plaque buildup, cavities, and gum disease, contact dentist Dr. Joan Andeson and the friendly and helpful Rockland Family Dental Care team to schedule an appointment!