At-home preventative care

At-Home Preventative Care Instructions

How To Practice Good Every Day Oral Hygiene

At Ashburn Dentistry by Design, we believe that good oral hygiene doesn’t just mean coming to visit us for your biyearly dental checkups—it also means making sure to properly take care of your teeth during your day-to-day life. We’re here to provide you with tips for at-home preventative care to make taking care of your teeth quick and easy. If you need more tips and tricks, we’re also happy to go over any at-home preventative care instructions during your next visit with us!

Brushing Tips

Proper brushing is your first line of defense against cavities, gum disease and bad breath and is essential to your at-home preventative care. Here are our tips for how to make the most of your brushing routine:

Do:

  • Brush twice a day: Morning and night are non-negotiable

  • Use a soft-bristled toothbrush: It’s gentler on your gums and enamel

  • Brush for two minutes: Set a timer or use an electric brush with a built-in timer

  • Use fluoride toothpaste: It strengthens enamel and helps prevent decay

  • Brush at a 45-degree angle: Aim at the gum line and use gentle, circular motions

  • Don’t forget your tongue: Bacteria can build up here and cause bad breath

Don’t:

  • Brush too hard: It can wear down enamel and irritate your gums

  • Rush: Since a quick brush isn’t enough

  • Use an old toothbrush: Remember to replace your toothbrush every three months, or replace even sooner if your bristles are frayed

Flossing Tips

Flossing is an especially important part of our at-home preventative care. It reaches where your toothbrush can’t—between your teeth and under the gum line. Flossing helps to keep food out of your gum line to keep your smile sparkling and clean. Some flossing tips to try out include: 

  • Floss daily
  • Use around 18 inches of floss and wrap your floss around your fingers and use a fresh section per tooth
  • Slide gently between teeth, and never snap or force the floss
  • Curve your floss into a “C” shape, and hug the side of each tooth and go slightly below the gumline
  • Don’t forget the back teeth—they need love, too!

  • If traditional floss is giving you trouble, try dental picks, or if you have braces or sensitive gums, try a water flosser

Man flossing his teeth in the bathroom mirror as part of his morning oral hygiene routine

Dental Health Tips

At Ashburn Dentistry by Design, we’re here to help you with your dental health with our tips for at-home preventative care. Here are some handy dandy tips for keeping your mouth in its best shape:

  • Avoid eating too many sugary foods
  • Remember to visit us every six months for a professional teeth cleaning
  • Ask us about dental sealants!
  • If you or your child play a sport, ask us about getting a mouthguard to protect your smile

The Anatomy Of A Tooth

At birth, people already have 20 baby teeth that begin erupting after six months, and that by age 21, there are no more primary teeth and all 32 permanent teeth have erupted. Understanding how your teeth work and the parts of your teeth can help you care for them even better and make at home-preventative care easier. The anatomy of a tooth includes:

The hard, white outer layer that protects against decay

The layer beneath the enamel, which is less dense and can be sensitive when exposed

The soft center, which contains nerves and blood vessels

A bone-like material which covers the tooth root, helping anchor it to the jawbone

Holds the tooth in place within the jaw and acts as a shock absorber

The part of your tooth that you can see above the gum line 

The part of your tooth that is anchored in the jawbone and makes up two-thirds of the tooth

Contact Us For More Instructions For At-Home Preventative Care

At Ashburn Dentistry by Design, we’re here to help you keep every part of your smile healthy and strong. If you have questions about your brushing or flossing routine, or if you’re interested in learning more about our suggestions for at-home preventative care, contact us—our team is happy to help!

Child patient smiling and giving thumbs up after dental visit at ashburn dentistry by design

Confident Smiles.

Compassionate Care.

Experience the difference at Ashburn Dentistry by Design—where your smile and comfort come first. From the moment you walk through our doors, you’ll be treated like family in an environment designed to ease dental anxiety and build lasting relationships. Our experienced team offers comprehensive care for all ages, combining advanced technology with a personal touch to ensure every treatment exceeds your expectations. Don’t wait—request your appointment today and discover why so many in Ashburn trust us with their smiles!

Wave line with ball on end
Purple tooth symbol

Delivering Healthy Smiles to All of Ashburn, VA

20905 Professional Plaza, Suite 210, Ashburn, VA 20147

Phone: (703) 723-9909