Hillcrest Dental’s Top Dental Tips for Healthy Teeth and Gums
We’re midway through the holiday season’s festivities, which means our teeth have already faced an assault of sweets and rich foods! This time of year calls for proactive dental care, and Hillcrest Dental’s expert team recommends careful brushing, flossing, hydration, and much more. Don’t forget to make an appointment at the top dental practice in Charlottesville, VA!
A high-quality dentistry provider for decades, Hillcrest is committed to creating and maintaining bright, healthy smiles. We offer emergency dental services alongside our general and cosmetic care options to families and individuals. Moreover, our office provides financing options to ensure an accessible, low-stress service experience. You can learn more by calling (434) 973-2224 or requesting a dental appointment through our website.
Below, we outline our best dental practices for protecting your teeth and gums:
Brush Your Teeth Twice Daily
Excellent oral health depends on daily practices. All schoolchildren learn that they should brush their teeth twice a day, and this rule applies to adults too! These brushes are a cornerstone for healthy teeth and gums, as they combat the build-up of plaque and germs, remove food particles from gaps and crevices, and keep your teeth in working order.
Establishing this daily habit in your morning and nighttime routine ensures you always make time for this crucial task. Moreover, you must go about it with a suitable technique and materials (more on those below). If you do so, brushing twice daily is as helpful as any professional preventative dental services.
Brush Properly
How you brush your teeth can be just as impactful as when you do so. Go slowly and brush in circular motions to remove plaque, making sure to reach every spot at least once. Plaque build-up results in tooth decay, one of the most common causes of toothaches, but brushing properly keeps such build-up at bay. Don’t forget your tongue either—plaque can accumulate and cause bad breath!
Use Fluoride Toothpaste
All the brands and varieties of toothpaste at the supermarket promise impressive effects due to their powders, flavors, and other ingredients. But toothpaste’s influence comes down to one factor: the presence or absence of fluoride.
A naturally occurring mineral, fluoride combats the germs that cause tooth decay and creates a barrier for teeth. Many (though not all) communities add fluoride to their water supplies, but you can ensure your teeth receive a daily dose by using the right toothpaste.
Floss at Least Once a Day
Flossing strikes some people as that extra, unnecessary step dentists pester everyone to do. However, flossing is just as important as brushing because it offers unique benefits, according to dental experts: flossing stimulates the gums, removes plaque, and reduces inflammation.
Some adults and children find flossing difficult and uncomfortable, which discourages them from using it. Luckily, innovations like dental floss picks can help them work around such discomfort. Although mouthwash can provide some oral health benefits, it cannot replicate those of flossing.
Don’t Overlook Diet
While daily dental care is crucial to oral health, diet also has a substantial impact. Drinking water, for instance, washes sticky and acidic foods and beverages from the mouth. Crunchy fruits and vegetables come packed with nutrients that support oral health and get the jaws working. Plus, those sugary and acidic foods erode tooth enamel and can cause cavities in the long term.
Visit Your Dentist Twice a Year
Of course, you can protect your oral health and ensure best practices by checking in with Hillcrest Dental twice a year! Even the best brushes and flossers must do so, as dentists can recognize damage and warning signs that non-professionals miss. Be prepared for these check-ups by preparing questions and communicating your oral health concerns with your dentist.
Top Dental Professionals in Charlottesville, VA!
In the middle of decorating and celebrating, don’t forget to make an appointment at the top dental office in Charlottesville, VA! Hillcrest Dental is open for families and individuals looking to protect their teeth and ensure excellent oral health. Our team offers general and cosmetic care along with oral surgery and emergency services. Call us at (434) 973-2224 or visit our website to request an appointment today.
