Happy World Oral Health Day! We’re celebrating this day with you by talking about the ways you can practice good oral health. Having a healthy smile makes all the difference with how you feel about yourself, enjoy food, and even your physical health. Here are a few ways you can take care of your grin:

Replace your toothbrush. 

You need to get a brand new toothbrush every three to four months. We recommend getting a soft bristle toothbrush that is gentle on your gums and tooth enamel. Don’t forget to clean your toothbrush too! Bacteria can build up, so make it a practice to clean it every week.

Brush twice a day and floss at least once. 

While this may advice you’ve heard many times before, we just want to reiterate it once again. Making these habits a daily practice can keep cavities, gum disease, and other oral health problems at bay.

Wear a mouthguard. 

If you play sports, you are 60 times more likely to experience an injury by not wearing a mouthguard. Our custom-fit mouthguards will be easy to wear and fit comfortably in your mouth. Better than anything you can find at the store!

Look for signs of gum disease.

It’s often hard to spot gum disease in its early stages. However, if your gums are swollen or tender, bleed after you brush or floss, or your teeth feel loose, those are early signs of periodontal disease. If you spot these signs, make sure to schedule an appointment immediately.

Eat nutritious food for good oral health.

Make sure you are enjoying the right foods and staying away from the wrong ones! Enjoy foods rich in fiber, like fruits and vegetables, for a natural way to protect your smile from cavities and gum disease. Also, the calcium found in cheese, milk, and other dairy products can strengthen your tooth enamel. Stay away from sweets, hard candies, and sugary beverages which can wear down your tooth enamel.

Protect your mouth at night.

If you wake up with a sore jaw or sensitive teeth, it may be a sign you grind your teeth at night. Or if you have dry mouth, daytime sleepiness, or wake up throughout the night, you may struggle with sleep apnea. Our nighttime mouthguards can protect your smile and help you rest easy at night.

Visit us twice a year for cleanings and exams. 

The ADA recommends you visit your dentist twice a year for your regular checkup. We’ll thoroughly clean your teeth and remove any buildup of tartar or plaque. We’ll also examine your mouth for signs of gum disease, cavities, and other problems that need our attention.

Whether you are a new patient or have visited us for years, we care about the health of your smile. Our team can’t wait to see you at your next appointment, and we look forward to helping you maintain a healthy smile for years to come.

Call us today at 804-607-9348 to schedule your next appointment in Mathews, VA. Or if you’d prefer to visit our office in Deltaville, VA, call 804-455-8263.