Dental Hygiene

At John J. Andre, DDS & Associates, we are dedicated to helping our patients reach their smile goals in our office and in their home. When you visit our dentists, we take the time to educate and demonstrate the best at-home dental hygiene practices. For more information on dental hygiene in Glen Allen and Louisa, Virginia, and to make your appointment with Drs. Andre and Hall, please call our office today at 804-346-8330 for our Glen Allen office or (540) 967-0777 for our Louisa office.

Even the most dedicated daily tooth brushing and flossing routine has gaps. Healthy, natural bacteria live and flourish in our mouths, helping our bodies break down food into key nutrients and offering support for our digestive systems. However, just like any living organism, bacteria absorb nutrients, digest them, and excrete waste products. The waste produced by bacteria in the mouth is a sticky, acidic biofilm known as plaque. Plaque clings to the tooth enamel and gum tissues, and can cause numerous oral health problems, including gum disease, when not removed.

Regular at-home oral care removes the majority of the plaque protecting your smile from damage. Be sure to:

• Brush your teeth after each meal, or at least twice a day.
• Floss daily. We recommend that you floss just before you go to sleep at night.
• Maintain a balanced diet, and limit your intake of sugary and acidic foods. This will help prevent tooth decay.

Please also remember to visit our dentists regularly for a professional cleaning to remove plaque and tartar (the more dangerous form of hardened plaque) from the crevices of your teeth that cannot be reached by brushing and flossing. During these visits we will review your oral hygiene habits with you, and offer any additional information or instruction that you may need. Our dentists and team can also recommend appropriate oral hygiene products for your use.

To learn more about dental hygiene and make your appointment with our dentists, please contact our practice today.