Oral health should be a high priority for individuals of almost all ages since healthy teeth and gums are required for many essential daily activities. Poor dental hygiene, sugary diets, genetics, and certain medical conditions can cause oral bacteria to accumulate and lead to tooth decay and gum disease. At Washington Center for Dentistry, our doctors are proud to help patients throughout the Washington, D.C. area with thorough dental hygiene services. With our 12-point dental hygiene system, we screen for small problems early to help prevent troublesome oral diseases that can be painful and costly.

What is oral bacteria?

Oral bacteria refers to any microorganism residing in the mouth, some of which are harmless, while others can directly impact the health of the teeth, gums, and jawbone. Certain bacteria strains feed off of sugars and starches from your diet that can lead to tooth decay and cavities. At Washington Center for Dentistry, our team can screen for potential areas of the mouth that are hard to reach with normal brushing or flossing to spot early signs of tooth decay.

What causes oral bacteria?

While many strains of oral bacteria are ever-present, harmful strains can build up in the mouth due to poor dental hygiene, overly sugary diets, certain medications, and genetic conditions. The most common cause is when tartar buildup occurs around the teeth and gums, allowing for the bacteria to feed off of sugars and starches. This leads to an overabundance of harmful bacteria in the mouth that is linked to an increased risk of tooth decay and gum disease.

What is 12-point dental hygiene?

At Washington Center for Dentistry, our team of doctors is pleased to offer the 12-point hygiene service to screen for oral problems early and to help prevent tooth decay and gum disease: Our 12-point dental hygiene service effectively removes unwanted oral bacteria and tartar buildup while screening for serious oral health problems early in a cost-effective manner.

According to the American Dental Association (ADA), individuals across the age span should participate in dental hygiene checkups once every six months. Individuals with unique or complicated oral conditions may choose to attend dental hygiene appointments and cleanings more frequently as recommended by their licensed dental practitioners.

Benefits of professional dental hygiene services for oral health

Professional dental hygiene services provide patients with numerous benefits, including:

• Early detection of challenging oral health problems that can be potentially cured or reversed
• Cleaning for hard-to-reach places
• Early treatment for uncomfortable or painful oral conditions
• Effective removal of oral bacteria and tartar buildup
• Feeling at ease about their oral health

Dental hygiene practices at home

Men, women, and children can double down on their oral health needs by enhancing their dental hygiene practices at home. Consider applying the following tips to minimize harmful oral bacteria:

• Brush and floss the teeth twice daily
• Use mouth rinse regularly to remove tartar
• Reduce sugar intake
• Eat nutritious meals
• Stay hydrated
• Wear a mouthguard for contact sports
• Avoid excessively hard, sticky, or chewy foods

Learn more about preventing oral bacteria and tooth decay with dental hygiene services

If you reside in or near Washington D.C. and would like to learn more about our innovative dental hygiene services, contact us at Washington Center for Dentistry and schedule a consultation. We look forward to working with you and your family to help meet your unique oral health needs.