Basic Dental Care in Arlington

Your at-home dental care routine can make a big difference in how healthy your teeth and gums stay throughout your lifetime. All you have to do is:

• Brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste
• Floss once a day
• Get regular dental checkups
• Have a professional teeth cleaning every six months

We would love to help you have a great dental care regimen. Please click here to schedule your dental appointment today.

Help Prevent Cavities With Twice Daily Brushing

Twice daily brushing is one of the most important things you can do for your dental health. It should take you two minutes to brush the front, back, and chewing surfaces of your teeth. When brushing the front of your teeth, hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to sweep the plaque away from your gumline. While you’re at it, you can brush your tongue too. Your mouth will feel cleaner and it will help keep your breath fresh.

A toothbrush with soft bristles of varying heights is the best toothbrush to use. Hard-bristled toothbrushes can damage tooth enamel over time. Your toothbrush should last three to four months before the bristles fray. Always keep your toothbrush clean to avoid introducing bacteria in your mouth when you brush. Store your toothbrush in a place where it can dry completely between uses.

Is Fluoride Toothpaste Safe?

Yes, fluoride toothpaste is safe, but small children should only use a very small amount and not swallow it. For adults and older children, fluoride is beneficial, as it helps strengthen tooth enamel and prevent cavities. Many cities and towns add fluoride to their drinking water too, but bottled water is very popular. Most brands don’t contain fluoride or they have a tiny amount. If you’re prone to cavities and don’t drink fluoridated water, talk to your dentist about fluoride treatments or mouthwashes that can offer your teeth extra protection.

What Are the Reasons I Should Floss Daily?

Flossing once a day removes plaque and food particles stuck between your teeth. It’s important to get rid of plaque between teeth since you can get cavities there as well. Flossing gets rid of plaque at the gumline, where it can harden into tartar and lead to gum disease. Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. If this isn’t enough, bits of food stuck between teeth will start to smell and give you bad breath.

There are many types of floss available. It’s important to find one you like that makes it easy to reach all of your teeth, especially the back ones. Your dentist can help you find the right floss for you. It’s not important what type of floss you use; it’s just essential that you floss every day.

What Lifestyle Changes Can I Make to Protect My Dental Health?

To help protect your dental health, you can choose a therapeutic mouthwash that does more than give you fresh breath. Your dentist may recommend one that fights plaque or whitens your teeth. Use as your dentist recommends.

Quitting smoking or using tobacco will improve your dental health. Tobacco use makes it harder to heal after dental procedures. It also increases your chance of developing oral cancer.

Eat healthy foods and avoid foods and beverages with a lot of sugar in them. Everybody indulges occasionally, but try to make healthy choices that are good for your teeth, like fruits and vegetables, calcium-rich low fat dairy products and lean meats.

What Are Some On-the-Go Dental Tips?

If you find yourself out frequently and can’t brush when you need to, consider purchasing a pack of disposable toothbrushes. You can keep one with you at all times; many have toothpaste already on them. You can also rinse your mouth out with water or chew some sugarless gum in a pinch.

Does My Overall Health Depend on My Oral Health?

If you have gum disease, the bacteria can spread throughout your body. If it spreads to your heart, you’ll have an increased risk of having a stroke or heart attack. If you impale the bacteria in to your lungs, it may cause a respiratory illness, such as pneumonia. Pregnant women with advanced gum disease are seven times more likely to give birth prematurely. Regular dental exams and good dental hygiene can help prevent gum disease and its risks to your overall health. Call us today to schedule your checkup.

We’re ready to help you ensure you have great oral health and great overall health, click here to make an appointment.

What Role Does a Dentist in Arlington Play in My Dental Health?

Healthy smiles are not an accident. While you have to do your part at home, your dentist plays an important role. You need someone who can look for small cavities and the early signs of gum disease before they become major problems. You also need a dental office where you can have your teeth professionally cleaned. Dental cleanings are invaluable if you want to learn if your dental care regimen is working. You’ll also have bright, shiny teeth without the minor staining.

Your dentist can also perform an oral cancer screening. How often they will do them depends on your age, risk factors and family history of cancer. The risk factors include smoking, heavy alcohol us and the human papillomavirus. The screening is just a visual and tactile examination. Early detection could literally save your life. The cure rate is high for oral cancer caught in its earliest stage. If you notice any unusual lumps, bumps, red or whitish patches or anything else that does not go away in two weeks, please contact our office for a screening.

We would be proud to help you with your basic dental care. Please click here to set up a convenient appointment for an exam and teeth cleaning.