The Basics of a Healthy Smile

Basic oral hygiene, while not complicated, does require some time and commitment. Brushing and flossing your teeth, along with regular visits to your dentist are key in maintaining a healthy smile.

To brush your teeth effectively, you need to spend at least two minutes in the morning and evening. Hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to your teeth, and clean the outsides, insides and the biting and chewing surfaces. To clean the insides of your front teeth, hold your toothbrush vertically and use short, up-and-down strokes.

Flossing will require about 18 inches of dental floss. You will use one to two inches of floss per tooth. You will want to curve the floss around the tooth, and floss below, and then away from your gumline. Start flossing at your back teeth, and work your way forward.

Brushing and flossing are fundamental to sound oral hygiene. However, no matter how well you maintain your regimen, there is no substitute for a visit to Ballston Dental Arts every six months for a routine cleaning and examination. Your office visit will allow us to remove any plaque or tartar that your toothbrush may have missed, as well as examine your mouth and teeth for signs of tooth decay, dental erosion, oral cancer and gum disease. In addition to your regular visits, you should notify Dr. Duke Kim any time that you are diagnosed with a disease or other medical condition, are prescribed a new medication, or if you are pregnant, or planning on having a baby. If you notice any change to the color, texture, or even the odor of your mouth, or your gums bleed when you brush or floss, you should make an appointment to see us as soon as possible. If you live in the Arlington VA, area, and would like to schedule a visit at Ballston Dental Arts, call (703) 291-3111 today.