{"id":267,"date":"2019-01-01T20:05:50","date_gmt":"2019-01-01T20:05:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ddsdc.com\/blog\/?p=267"},"modified":"2019-02-01T20:06:23","modified_gmt":"2019-02-01T20:06:23","slug":"4-tips-promote-oral-health-year-dentist-washington-dc","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ddsdc.com\/blog\/2019\/01\/01\/4-tips-promote-oral-health-year-dentist-washington-dc\/","title":{"rendered":"4 Tips to Promote Oral Health This Year from a Dentist in Washington DC"},"content":{"rendered":"

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It\u2019s a new year\u2014a fresh start. It\u2019s time to think about how you can improve and make your life better. What do you want to work on this year? Like many others during this time of year, do you want to improve your health? Well, don\u2019t forget your oral health as well. In fact, keeping your mouth healthy is a resolution you can easily keep. From a dentist in Washington DC, here are 4 simple things you can do this year to promote your oral health.<\/p>\n

Decide to Floss<\/h2>\n

If you brush your teeth twice daily, you may think that you don\u2019t need to floss. Think again. Consider all the spaces that your toothbrush can\u2019t reach between your teeth. If not removed through flossing, the bacteria in plaque can have free reign there and produce acids that attack teeth and irritate gums. Over time it can cause tooth decay or gum disease. You can help prevent these conditions by simply flossing once daily.<\/p>\n

Visit the Dentist Regularly<\/h2>\n

Even if you do brush and floss faithfully every day, you still need to visit the dentist<\/a> for your routine checkup and cleaning every six months. Over time, plaque can build up and harden or calcify into tartar. Once this happens, it becomes much more difficult to remove and allows the bacteria easier and constant access to your teeth and gums, leading to tooth decay or gum disease. Your dentist or hygienist use professional tools and skills to remove this tartar and give you a clean slate for your teeth.<\/p>\n

Also at your routine appointment, your dentist takes the opportunity to perform an oral exam or visual inspection of your teeth, tongue, gums, mouth, and throat. They search for any abnormalities that could indicate serious conditions, such as oral cancer or gum disease. To prevent severe damage, early detection and treatment are key. After all, treating a problem while it\u2019s small is much easier and more pleasant than dealing with it after it develops into a big one. Regular dentist appointments help ensure that any dental issues are nipped in the bud.<\/p>\n

Consume Less Sugar<\/h2>\n

Sugar is bad not only for your waistline but also for your mouth. When you consume sugar, you also fuel those harmful bacteria that cause tooth decay. By cutting back on your sugar consumption, you reduce their impact on your teeth and gums.<\/p>\n

To replace sugary treats, you can choose food that will actually help you maintain a healthy mouth. These foods include the following:<\/p>\n