{"id":120,"date":"2019-01-15T17:59:02","date_gmt":"2019-01-15T17:59:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.esparzafamilydentistry.com\/blog\/?p=120"},"modified":"2019-02-11T18:02:45","modified_gmt":"2019-02-11T18:02:45","slug":"5-top-strategies-for-a-better-smile-in-2019-from-a-dentist-in-virginia-beach","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.esparzafamilydentistry.com\/blog\/5-top-strategies-for-a-better-smile-in-2019-from-a-dentist-in-virginia-beach\/","title":{"rendered":"5 Top Strategies For a Better Smile In 2019 From a Dentist in Virginia Beach"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"Man<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s the start of a brand new year and a perfect time to\nmake healthy, positive changes that will pay off all year. Most people focus on\ntheir physical health, which is certainly a worthwhile endeavor, but why not\nswitch things up this year and focus on your oral health instead? It\u2019s easier\nthan you might think and will not only help you smile with confidence, but also\nminimize the amount of major dental work you need from a dentist in Virginia\nBeach. Keep reading for 5 strategies you can start using right away to achieve\nexcellent oral health in 2019! <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

1. Cut Back On Sugar<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Unfortunately, sugar is found in countless foods and beverages in our modern diet. But you don\u2019t have to cut it out completely to reduce your risk of cavities \u2013 just minimizing it will make a big difference. \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Also, how often<\/em>\nyou consume it is important as well, so don\u2019t sip or snack on anything sugary\nthroughout the day. Remember the phrase, \u201cSip all day, get decay\u201d to remind yourself\nnot to graze. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Schedule a Checkup<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Prevention is the name of the game when it comes to your\noral health, and regular\ncheckups<\/a> are a huge part of that. In addition to getting a professional\ncleaning and polish, these visits are important so a dentist can find and treat\nany problems when they\u2019re small. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For example, a small cavity can be treated with a simple\nfilling. But if you wait until you feel pain, the cavity is large enough that\nit may require a dental crown or even a root canal. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition, you get many other benefits from routine care,\nincluding oral cancer screenings and gum evaluations. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Make Flossing a Breeze<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Most people do reasonably well with brushing but struggle\nwith flossing. It\u2019s helpful to start small and set realistic goals, such as\nflossing 3-4 times a week. After a few weeks of doing that, it will be easier\nto increase it to every day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Also, if you find that bedtime is difficult because you\u2019re\ntoo tired, try doing it right after dinner instead.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Don\u2019t Forget About On-the-Go Oral Hygiene  <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Most people aren\u2019t able to brush and floss after every meal,\nbut there are other ways to practice quick, easy oral hygiene on-the-go.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

First, try to keep sugar-free gum on hand. It will increase\nyour salivary flow and neutralize the acids that cause cavities. Second, if you\ndon\u2019t have any gum, you can swish with water several times to at least wash\naway some of the sugars and acids that remain in your mouth after a meal or\nsnack. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Use the Right Tools<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

These days, there are countless tools on the market that can\nmake your oral hygiene easier and<\/em>\nmore effective. For example, an electric toothbrush is practically guaranteed\nto do a better job than a manual. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You might also try floss picks, interdental brushes or an\noral irrigator (which is especially helpful if you have a lot of dental crowns,\ngum disease, or a bridge).  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Practicing these 5 simple strategies for better oral health\nin 2019 will help you achieve your healthiest smile yet this year! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

About the Author <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Dr. Sarah\nEsparza<\/a> is a family dentist in Virginia Beach with 20 years of experience. In\nthat time, she\u2019s seen the difference that good everyday habits make in peoples\u2019\noral health, and always educates her patients on simple things they can do for\na healthier smile. If you have any other questions, she can be reached via her website.<\/a> <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

It\u2019s the start of a brand new year and a perfect time to make healthy, positive changes that will pay off all year. Most people focus on their physical health, which is certainly a worthwhile endeavor, but why not switch things up this year and focus on your oral health instead? It\u2019s easier than you […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-120","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"yoast_head":"\n5 Top Strategies For a Better Smile In 2019 From a Dentist in Virginia Beach<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Want a healthier, more beautiful smile in 2019? 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