Even if you don’t have complex dental issues, it’s still important to visit your dentist every six months and stay vigilant about your oral hygiene. Keeping these appointments allows your dentist to check on your teeth, gums, tongue, and mouth to spot any problems early on to help preserve your oral and overall health.
Visiting the dentist twice a year isn’t enough to keep your mouth healthy. Your home dental care routine is the single most important part of maintaining your oral health. Dr. Stacey Sparkman Hall, a Williamsburg, VA dentist, encourages patients of all ages to maintain regular dental visits and excellent at-home oral hygiene.
The Best At-Home Regimen For Healthy Teeth Includes:
Brush your teeth twice a day
Brush your teeth at least twice a day with an American Dental Association (ADA)-approved toothpaste and toothbrush. The ADA seal of approval is important so you can be sure you don’t do any damage to your teeth. Brushing your teeth twice a day prevents buildup of oral bacteria and the hardening of plaque into tartar, which can cause gum disease.
Floss every day
Flossing allows you to remove plaque from the hard to reach spaces between teeth and beneath the gum line. This deprives the oral bacteria of their preferred food and makes them less likely to eat away at your enamel in the process.
Rinse After Eating
Rinsing is also an important part of oral health. Rinsing your mouth with water between meals can help protect your teeth against build-ups. Adding a mouthwash to your daily routine will help protect against gum disease by killing bacteria and reducing gingivitis.
When should I begin to visit Dr. Hall?
Most dentists, including Dr. Hall, suggest children begin visiting the dentist starting with their first tooth or their first birthday, whichever comes first. This helps acclimatize them to the dentist’s office with an age-appropriate cleaning. At this visit, we’ll give you tips to care for your child’s developing teeth and help them feel comfortable with dental care.
Visiting the dentist with your child allows parents and caregivers the opportunity to demonstrate healthy habits. Children who visit the dentist with a parent who is also coming for dental care tend to be less anxious and see the importance of dental care, which helps set a solid foundation for a lifetime of good oral healthcare habits.
Schedule an Appointment in Williamsburg, VA
Dr. Hall offers comprehensive dental care to people of all ages. Contact our Williamsburg, VA dental office online or by phone at 757.216.9873 today to schedule an appointment.