Conveniently located to serve Arlington, Alexandria, and Washington DC
Home Care in Arlington, VA
Our ultimate goal when treating patients is a beautiful, healthy smile that lasts a lifetime. Your personal home care plays an important role in achieving that goal. It starts by eating balanced meals, reducing the number of snacks you eat, and correctly using the various dental aids that help control the plaque and bacteria that cause dental disease.
In Arlington, VA, SKS Dental encourages patients to adopt effective at-home dental care to complement their professional dental visits. Simple habits like brushing, flossing, and using the right dental products can go a long way in preserving the health and longevity of your teeth and gums.
Tooth Brushing
Brush your teeth at least twice daily (especially before bed at night) with an ADA-approved soft bristle brush and toothpaste.
- Place the brush at a 45-degree angle to the gums and gently brush using a small, circular motion, ensuring that you always feel the bristles on the gums.
- Brush the outer, inner, and biting surfaces of each tooth.
- Use the brush tip to clean the inside of the front teeth.
- Brush your tongue to remove bacteria and freshen your breath.
Electric toothbrushes are also recommended. They are easy to use and can remove plaque efficiently. Simply place the bristles of the electric brush on your gums and teeth and allow it to do its job, several teeth at a time.
Flossing
Daily flossing is the best way to clean between the teeth and under the gumline. Flossing helps clean these spaces and disrupts plaque colonies from building up, preventing damage to the gums, teeth, and bones.
- Take 12-16 inches (30-40cm) of dental floss and wrap it around your middle fingers, leaving about 2 inches (5cm) of floss between the hands.
- Using your thumbs and forefingers to guide the floss, gently insert the floss between teeth using a sawing motion.
- Curve the floss into a “C” shape around each tooth and under the gumline. Gently move the floss up and down, cleaning the side of each tooth.
Floss holders are recommended if you have difficulty using conventional floss.
Rinsing
It is important to rinse your mouth with water after brushing and after meals if you cannot brush. If you are using an over-the-counter product for rinsing, it’s a good idea to consult your dentist or dental hygienist on its appropriateness.
Use other dental aids as recommended by your dentist or dental hygienist: interdental brushes, rubber tip stimulators, tongue cleaners, irrigation devices, fluoride, medicated rinses, etc., can all play a role in good dental home care.
Why Dental Home Care Is Important
Your daily oral care routine impacts not only the appearance of your smile but also your overall health. Proper dental home care helps remove plaque, prevent gum disease, and reduce the risk of tooth decay. Neglecting these routines could lead to costly and painful dental procedures. Developing good habits allows your teeth and gums to remain healthy for years.
How to Choose the Right Dental Care Products
There are plenty of options when it comes to at-home dental care products. The most important thing is to select products that work for your needs. For example, choose toothpaste with fluoride to help strengthen your enamel, and use a soft-bristle toothbrush to prevent damaging your gums.
Floss or interdental brushes are also essential for cleaning those hard-to-reach areas between your teeth. For personalized oral hygiene tips, consult Dr. Smita Sabharwal on your next visit.
Benefits of Dental Home Care
The primary advantage of good dental home care is prevention. You can avoid many common dental issues by sticking to a routine of brushing, flossing, and rinsing with mouthwash.
Taking preventive measures at home helps you spend less time and money on fillings, crowns, or gum treatments. Plus, regular oral care can lead to fresher breath and a brighter smile, which boosts your confidence.
Professional Dental Care to Complement Home Care
Maintaining oral health requires both daily care at home and regular dental visits. Brushing and flossing help control plaque, cavities, and gum disease, but home care has its limits.
Professional cleanings provide a deeper level of care by removing tartar and addressing areas that are difficult to manage on your own. Dentists also spot early signs of issues like cavities or gum disease before they become bigger problems.
By combining home care with regular checkups, you give your teeth and gums the best chance to stay healthy over time.
At SKS Dental, we recommend scheduling professional cleanings every six months to get better results from your dental home care routine. During these visits, our team can identify potential problems early, preventing them from developing into more serious ones.
When to Seek Professional Help
Even with excellent home care, there are times when you’ll need professional intervention. If you experience persistent pain or bleeding gums or notice changes in your bite, it’s important to seek help immediately.
These could be signs of underlying issues, such as gum disease or tooth decay, that require immediate attention. Never ignore warning signs, as early treatment can often prevent the need for more invasive procedures later.
Why Choose SKS Dental for Your Oral Health Needs
At SKS Dental, we’re committed to helping patients maintain strong, healthy teeth for life. Led by Dr. Smita Sabharwal, our team provides comprehensive dental services focusing on prevention. We’ll partner with you to create a personalized oral health treatment, blending home care and professional treatments for the best possible results. With years of experience and a patient-first approach, we’re here to support your dental health journey.
Professional Dental Care Costs
Investing in regular dental check-ups and cleanings is essential, but it’s natural to wonder about the costs. At SKS Dental, we offer transparent pricing, and our team is happy to discuss any concerns you may have about treatment costs.
Our goal is to provide high-quality care that fits your budget while emphasizing the long-term benefits of preventive care. Regular cleanings can save you money in the long run by reducing the need for more complex and costly treatments.
Schedule Your Consultation in Arlington, VA
If you’re ready to improve your dental home care in Arlington, VA, we’re here to help. Schedule your appointment at SKS Dental today to get personalized recommendations and start building your at-home care routine. We also offer other tooth cleaning and prevention services. Let us help you achieve a lifetime of healthy smiles.
FAQs
How often should I replace my toothbrush?
It’s recommended that you replace your toothbrush every three to four months, or sooner if the bristles become frayed. A worn-out toothbrush will not effectively clean your teeth and may even damage your gums.
What is the best way to brush my teeth?
Brush your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristle toothbrush. Use gentle, circular motions and spend at least two minutes brushing each time. Remember to brush your tongue to remove bacteria and freshen your breath.
Can I avoid cavities with home care alone?
While dental home care significantly reduces your risk of cavities, professional cleanings are essential for removing plaque buildup that can lead to cavities. Regular dental visits will help your teeth stay cavity-free.
How can I tell if I need to visit a dentist?
If you experience tooth pain, bleeding gums, or persistent bad breath, it’s time to visit a dentist. These are signs of potential oral health issues that require professional care.
I really appreciated my visits with Dr.Sabharwal. She was extremely patient and even better she has small hands to get into those far places into your mouth. My dental insurance did not cover the needed dental work but I found the dental care with in my budget. SKS Dental accommodated my schedule as well. I never waited more than five minutes for my appointment and Dr. Sabharwal was kind enough to meet me when I was available. I highly recommend Dr. Sabharwal to anyone who is searching for a professional, competent and warm-hearted dentist.