How Can I Improve My Dental Hygiene |Dentistry in Arlington, VA

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    • Taking care of your oral health is one of the best things you can do for your overall health. You can get a better-looking and healthier smile this year. Following are five tips to improve your oral health. 

    Daily Brushing and Flossing

    Your oral hygiene will determine how healthy your gums and teeth will be. Brushing your teeth two times a day and flossing every day will help protect your teeth from cavities and tooth decay. Good oral habits will help you avoid gum disease. 

    Plaque or harmful bacteria build up on the teeth every day. Removing this plaque every day is vital for good oral health. Flossing removes plaque from difficult-to-reach areas, such as below the gumline and between the teeth. 

    Embrace a Healthy Diet

    You are what you eat. This has never been truer than when it comes to your dental health! Eating well will help improve your dental and oral health. Eat more fruits, vegetables, and nuts and avoid harmful foods such as sugar. 

    Poor nutrition affects an individual's immune system, leading to an increase in one's susceptibility to developing common dental and oral disorders. In this new year, consume foods with antioxidants and nutrients that improve overall health. Choose a diet that will help protect the teeth and gums.

    Avoid Tobacco Products

    If you are looking for another reason to stop smoking, think about your oral health. Smoking and using tobacco products are harmful to teeth and gums. The products increase the risk of developing cavities, gum disease, and gum recession. 

    Smoking causes teeth discoloration and throat, oral, and lung cancer. The chances of people who smoke losing teeth are two times as high compared to those of non-smokers. Your risk of losing teeth will decrease when you quit the tobacco habit.

    Reduce Your Alcohol Use

    Too much alcohol consumption is bad not just for your physical health but also for your oral health. Frequent alcohol consumption can increase the risk of gum recession and gum disease. 

    People who drink alcohol have a lower likelihood of brushing their teeth regularly. They are also less worried about issues of basic health. As part of your resolutions for 2022, consider quitting or limiting your alcohol intake. 

    Regular Dental Checkup

    The best thing you can do to improve your oral health is schedule regular dental exams and cleaning. The exams can help detect dental issues before they become serious problems. 

    Your dentist will be able to clean your teeth, reaching areas that you cannot with your daily cleaning. Early treatment of dental issues will help avoid discomfort and costly dental treatment. Regular dental visits allow the dentist to evaluate your oral health. In this new year, resolve to protect your oral health. 

    For more tips to improve your oral health, visit Courthouse Art of Dentistry at our office in Arlington, Virginia. You can call 703-783-9417 today to schedule an appointment.