Best DC Dentist

Nobody really likes having to go to the dentist, just think where we’d be if there weren’t anyone to take care of our teeth? A lot worse off, that’s where!

To try and keep your trips limited to check-ups, here are a few tips that you can follow to keep your smile as healthy as possible:

• Brush your teeth as often as is possible for you. Keeping your teeth as free of debris as possible will help prevent the formation of acids that will wear away the enamel and lead to sensitivity in the teeth. Your dentist or hygienist can suggest how much is enough based on the kinds of food you eat most often. One major company is now offering little disposable brushes complete with toothpaste that can be carried in a small wallet or pocket for use almost anywhere.
• Try to rinse, brush, or chew gum after consuming beverages that are high in acids. This includes things like coffee, tea, brown colored colas and wine. Also, try not to drink two beverages of diametrically temperatures at the same time (i.e. drinking ice water and hot coffee at the same meal). The opposite temperatures can cause cracks in the tooth or enamel that can lead to cavities or even structural flaws that can lead to a chipped or broken tooth. Iced mineral water is actually a better choice as a drink because it doesn’t contain substances that can stain or dull the natural brightness of the enamel. The water also contains minerals that the body can then utilize to strengthen the bones and teeth. An added benefit is that you probably won’t have to worry about whitening your smile if you take preventative steps to preserve it now.
• If you participate in a physical sport like football or hockey, be sure to wear a protective mouth guard. There are commercial ones available, but if you regularly play such an aggressive sport, it will be worth the expense of having your dental professional fit you for a custom-designed one. It’s generally a good idea to employ some sort of mouth protection when doing any kind of activity where there is a higher probability of receiving an injury to the mouth. Although not often readily thought of as being problematic, other potentially dangerous activities can include riding an ATV, water jet ski, playing soccer or even baseball. Prevention now can reduce the number of injuries and problems later on.
• Like brushing, proper flossing on a daily basis is integral to keeping a mouth healthy. Floss can remove particles in between the teeth that a brush may not necessarily be able to get our, robbing the bacteria in your mouth of substances that can lead to tooth damage from acid output. It also keeps the varieties of germ that lead to infection from spreading too rapidly. And recent research by the American Dental Association has linked infection of the gums and mouth to more serious conditions like stroke and heart attack.

By trying to incorporate some of these tips into your daily routine, you can keep your teeth healthy and make your visit to your dentist a more positive experience.