Happy New Year! We hope you and your family are enjoying a wonderful start to 2016. Right now, we’ve all got fresh starts and new beginnings on our minds, and so we thought it would be the perfect time to talk to you about the importance of preventive dental care. You can improve your oral and overall health by resolving to visit Dr. Morgan, your dentist in Virginia Beach, for both your six month visits in 2016. Keep reading to learn more, then contact our office to schedule your first checkup today!

Preventive Care: The Key to a Healthy Smile

We already know you value your oral health — that’s why you’re reading this blog. While you’re working to maintain a healthy smile for a lifetime, please don’t forget the basics of excellent oral hygiene.

#1: Brushing for two minutes, twice a day

It’s no surprise that one of your biggest defenses against decay-causing bacteria is the toothbrush. We all get a little careless sometimes, but there’s really never a good reason to skip brushing. Make sure you’re brushing at least twice a day, for two minutes each time. If you struggle with bad breath or tartar buildup, though, brushing after each meal can be a big help. Additionally, you can try setting a timer if you have a hard time reaching the two minute mark.

#2: Flossing daily

One of the biggest myths in dentistry is about flossing — that it isn’t really all that necessary. Dr. Morgan wants to remind you that’s absolutely not true. Flossing is a crucial step for good oral health because it removes the leftover bacteria and food particles your toothbrush just can’t reach. Want proof that flossing works? Smell your floss the next time you’ve skipped a few days. Trust us — it will not be pleasant. Get that bacteria out regularly by flossing between each tooth, at least once a day.

#3: Visit the dentist twice a year

The last but certainly not the least important step to maintaining excellent oral health is visiting your dentist in Virginia Beach every six months. When you stay on top of these visits, you’re giving a dental expert the chance to look for the early warning signs of a series of serious conditions. Some things Dr. Morgan is on the lookout for include:

• Tooth decay and damage in the form of small cavities, chips, fractures and worn teeth
• Worn dental work, like a broken dental crown or a leaky metal filling
• Swollen, red, tender gums that indicate gum disease
• Signs of oral cancer, like a changing mouth or irritated bumps that don’t go away

If it’s been more than six months since your last visit to Dr. Morgan’s office, don’t let your oral health suffer in 2016. We’re eager to help you and your whole family enjoy healthy, happy smiles. Click here to book your first appointment of the year!