Your oral health is more important than you might realize, so as part of Oral Health Month in June, Dr. Reyes and the team at Reyes Dental Group in Lorton, VA want to share their tips on how to reach your peak oral health.
We understand that the subject of oral health and hygiene can be intimidating for some people. The idea of going to the dentist has been caricatured as a scary experience. At Reyes Dental Group, we strive to give our patients an exceptionally comfortable experience so they have a positive dental experience and in turn take better care of their oral health.
Dr. Reyes recommends the following actions for achieving the best oral health possible:
Setting goals — if you know that you’ve picked up some poor dental habits over the years, it’s important to take small steps to change the trajectory of your oral health. For example: if you’re too tired to brush your teeth before bed, set yourself a goal to brush them straight after you have your last meal of the day when you still have energy, or if you consume food and drink with a lot of added sugar, set yourself a goal to limit your sugar intake each day.
Prioritize your oral health — make sure to make time to visit our dental practice in Lorton at least twice a year to get your teeth professionally cleaned. We will also do an oral cancer screening as part of your check-up to ensure we catch any issues sooner rather than later.
Budget for dental work — if you have a history of dental issues, it’s important to budget for dental work so you don’t need to delay treatment.
Carry out treatment when needed — don’t delay required treatments. The longer you leave them, the more painful they may become and affect your quality of life.
Esthetics can matter — sometimes when our patients are unhappy with the look of their teeth and therefore may take less care of them as they are embarrassed and hide their smile. If this is you, speak to us about cosmetic dental options so we can help you achieve the happy, healthy smile you’ve always dreamed about.
Quit smoking — smoking is one of the worst habits for your oral health. We can provide resources for you to take steps to quit before you get gum disease, experience tooth loss, and in extreme cases, mouth cancer.
If you have any questions about how to maintain great oral health, our friendly and compassionate team is happy to provide you with non-judgmental advice. If your partner or friend is not prioritizing their oral health, we are also happy to speak to them about their options and find out how we can work together to ensure they start taking care of their oral health. Schedule your appointment today!