Is Oral Hygiene a Key to a Perfect Smile?

Everyone wants to have a perfect and attractive smile. But, most people fail to realize that a lot goes behind having a shiny Hollywood smile. One such key factor in maintaining a proper oral hygiene routine. Dental care should begin at a very early age and continue till the last day of your life. Busy schedules and strict deadlines have made it almost impossible for people these days to invest both time and effort in oral care. Ignoring gums and teeth for a considerable span of time can be a reason for a nightmare in the future. Are you one such person who doesn’t go for regular dental checkups or does not brush at least twice a day? If yes then now is the time to act. 

The answer to the question mentioned in the title of this blog is “YES”. Oral hygiene can be the key to a perfect smile. Keeping this in mind, the best Winchester dentists have come up with effective tips to maintain proper oral hygiene. 

Tips to Maintain Your Oral Hygiene

Dental problems can easily be prevented by adopting a few preventive measures. We have provided the effective tips to maintain oral hygiene in the pointers below:

  • Brush regularly – You should not go to sleep before brushing your teeth. Brushing helps to get rid of the food particles stuck on the teeth and gums. Ignoring this step leads to the deposition of the remnant food particles and ultimately causes plaque buildup. Now, the plaque is basically a film-like substance that consists of harmful bacteria. It can harden into tartar with time. Brushing reduces the chances of plaque formation and as result helps to prevent dental problems i.e teeth decay, gum disease, etc. You should know the correct way to brush for great results. Firstly, buy a toothbrush that has soft bristles. Using hard bristles to brush your teeth can do serious damage to the enamel layer of your teeth and initiate tooth decay. Also, be very gentle while moving the toothbrush along your gum line and teeth. In case you suffer from the problem of tooth sensitivity, do get a toothpaste that is specifically made for sensitive teeth. Dentists advise brushing at least twice a day. Maintain a time gap of 30 minutes to 1 hour between having a meal and brushing. 
  • Do floss daily – You should never skip flossing. A piece of floss is a thread that can clean the areas in between your teeth and gums that cannot be reached by the toothbrush. So, flossing can be an effective way to get rid of plaque as well. You should floss regularly and make sure to do it before brushing your teeth. 
  • Use a mouthwash – Rinsing your mouth with an antibacterial mouthwash can be an effective way of fighting against bacteria. There are different types of mouthwashes available in today’s time. You should buy the one that suits your oral requirements. If you get confused about which mouthwash to get, consult your dentist. 
  • You should eat healthily – You should avoid sugary and sticky food items in order to have healthy teeth. Are you wondering why? Well, the human mouth consists of harmful bacteria that thrive in the presence of sugar particles causing dental problems. On the other hand, try to include more fruits and vegetables in your daily diet. 
  • Drink water – Drinking an adequate amount of water is necessary to maintain a proper oral hygiene routine. Less intake of water causes dehydration which affects the production of saliva in your mouth. The primary functions of saliva are to wash away the food particles stuck to your gums and teeth and also fight against the bacteria. So, less saliva creates an ideal environment for the growth of bacteria in your mouth.

We hope that going through this blog gave you a better understanding of how to maintain your oral hygiene. Lastly, do visit your dentist for routine dental care, Contact Smiles of Virginia if you are looking for the best dental routine care in Winchester, VA. Our dentists and other dental professionals put in every effort to take proper care of your oral health. Schedule your visit today by giving us a call at (540) 450-2100.

How To Take Care Of Your Teeth And Gums In Winter?

The months of winter require special care of your teeth and gums. It is the favorite of the years for many people all across the globe. But, fun and frolic come along with a lot of responsibilities. The cold months are also synonymous with flu, viral fever, cold and dental problems. The fall in the temperature level makes your teeth susceptible to issues such as cracks in your teeth and tooth sensitivity. You will be surprised to know that most of these oral problems can be avoided by adopting a few preventive measures. In this blog, we are going to discuss the tips that can be incorporated into your daily schedule during the cold months.

Schedule your appointment at the Dentist’s Office

Visiting a dental clinic on a regular basis is a must if you want to take care of your oral health. This is applicable for all the months of the year. Though, the need for getting your teeth and gums checked increases during the winter months. This gives the dental professionals a chance to diagnose the problems at the early stages which in turn helps to prevent serious issues in the near future. Therefore, it is high time for you to realize the importance of visiting a dentist. Book your appointment at a reliable dental clinic nearby.

Change the way you brush

You must have come across experts talking about the importance of flossing and brushing if one has to ensure his/her dental hygiene. But there are certain things you need to know to brush your teeth effectively. Always choose to get a toothbrush that has softer bristles. Brushing your teeth with hard bristles can do serious damage to the enamel layer and lead to teeth loss. If you are suffering from the problem of teeth sensitivity, do get a toothpaste that is specifically made for sensitive teeth. It is to be noted that there are places where a toothbrush cannot reach. This is where flossing comes into effect. Flossing at least twice a day will help you to get rid of the remnant food particles from between your teeth. This is a major tip to avoid the growth of infection-causing bacteria. Also, make sure to leave a gap of 30 minutes to 1 hour between having a meal and brushing your teeth.

Pay heed to your gums

As mentioned before, the cold chilly months of winter are ideal for diseases such as cold, flu, and fever. Unluckily, the germs and bacteria responsible for these problems can also be the reason for gum infection or gingivitis. Gum diseases have different stages. You are advised to look for the first signs of such problems i.e inflammation and redness. Keeping your hands and fingers away from the mouth can be of effective help to avoid gum infection. You can also choose an antibacterial mouthwash to fight against the infection-causing germs and bacteria.

Use a mouthguard

Using a mouthguard can act as a shield to protect your teeth and gums against the brutally cold weather. This will also lessen the risk of suffering from dental injuries that can be caused while participating in regular activities. You are advised to consult a dentist if you are confused about the usage of a mouthguard.

Drink an adequate amount of water

The consumption of water generally becomes less during the winter season. This can lead to dehydration that ultimately affects the production of saliva. One of the major functions of the saliva is to wash away the food particles in your mouth and also fight against the bacteria. Hence, less saliva creates an ideal circumstance for the growth of dental disease-causing bacteria. Drink plenty of water to keep your teeth and gums safe.

 

Keeping the tips mentioned above will definitely help you to avoid dental problems in winter. In case of serious disorders, do get in touch with a dental clinic. Finding a dentist is pretty easy in today’s time. All you gotta do is search “Best dentists near me” on the internet and you will get a list to choose from. If you are looking for the best dentists in Winchester, VA, contact Smiles of Virginia Family Dental Center. Here, you can undergo numerous top-quality dental treatments at an affordable price. Call us today.