Washington DC VA Medical Center

Washington DC VA Medical Center Dental Service staff

To have good oral health, you must have healthy teeth and gums. Even in a healthy mouth, plaque forms. If not cleared away with daily brushing and flossing, this sticky film stays on the teeth, gums, and tongue and causes tooth decay.  There is also a lot of research that suggests that plaque’s bacteria and inflammation are linked to other health problems including heart disease and dementia.

Good oral hygiene including regular visits to the dentist and diligent daily habits including: 
1. Brush at least twice a day. The best time to brush teeth is after meals. Choose a toothbrush with a small head for better access to back teeth. Soft bristles are kinder on your gums.
2. Use fluoridated toothpaste. Fluoride helps to harden tooth enamel and reduces your risk of decay.
3. Brush thoroughly. Tooth brushing should take between two and three minutes.
4. Floss your teeth daily. Use a slow and gentle sawing motion.
5. Limit acidic drinks like soft drinks, cordials and fruit juices. Food acids soften tooth material and dissolve the minerals in tooth enamel, causing holes (cavities or caries).
6. Limit sugary foods. Bacteria in dental plaque change sugars into acids.
7. Protect your teeth from injury. Wear a mouth guard or full-face helmet when playing sports.
8. Try to save a knocked out tooth. If possible, hold the tooth back in place while you seek immediate dental advice. If this is not possible, wrap the tooth in plastic or place it in milk and seek dental advice immediately.
9. Avoid using your teeth for anything other than chewing food. If you use them to crack nuts, remove bottle tops or rip open packaging, you risk chipping or even breaking your teeth.
10. See your dentist for regular check-ups. You should also visit your dentist if you have a dental problem such as a toothache or bleeding gums.