Many patients may wonder how to care for their smiles and their child’s smiles properly. Routine dental care and regular dental appointments are important parts of keeping the teeth and gums healthy. We welcome our patients to read answers to FAQs on oral hygiene and routine dental care in our Mt. Airy dental office. Patient education makes it simpler for patients to care for their smiles and know how often to visit the dentist.
Q&A: Oral Hygiene in Mt. Airy, MD
Read answers to common questions about oral hygiene and dental visits:
How often should I visit the dentist?
Visiting the dentist every six months or twice a year helps keep teeth clean and allows us to find emerging signs of dental problems. We regularly take dental x-rays and exams so we can find signs of oral health issues before they worsen over time. Our team also provides cleanings that remove plaque and tartar from the smile and prevent dental problems like cavities and decay.
When should I take my child to the dentist?
Typically, we recommend that patients bring their child for their first dental visit once their baby teeth emerge. Baby teeth can emerge when children turn one year old.
What is the best way to brush and floss?
When brushing, place your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle and brush in a circular motion. Remember to brush the outer, inner, and chewing surfaces of each tooth.
When using traditional floss, use about 18 inches of floss and wind your fingers at the ends of the floss. Guide about one inch of floss between your teeth, sawing the floss between your teeth. Curve the floss against each tooth, sliding up and down. Following these brushing and flossing instructions can help you get a better clean.
How often should I change my toothbrush?
Over time, brush bristles can wear down, and bacteria can collect on the toothbrush. Replacing your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months can keep your mouth clean and make it easier to care for your smile.
How should I care for my child’s smile before their teeth emerge?
Oral health is still important, even if a baby does not have their primary teeth yet. After feeding your child, wipe their gums with a clean wet cloth to remove food debris. You can use an infant toothbrush and a pea-sized amount of toothpaste once your child’s baby teeth emerge.
What do dental sealants do?
Dental sealants create a protective film over teeth to protect them from cavities. We recommend sealants for children between the ages of 6 and 12. Placing sealants on the back teeth, or molars helps seal out decay and prevent harm to teeth that are difficult to reach. We can place dental sealants for children at their routine appointments.
Do you have any more questions for our team? Schedule your next dental visit online or call (301) 781-5337. We are excited to see you at your next appointment!