7 Ways to Have Better Dental Health

Heather Martinson • September 13, 2022

Periodontal disease affects over 45% of adults over 30 in the United States.

The worst part is that gum disease is usually preventable with the right dental practices. The sooner you start taking action to protect the health of your smile, the safer you'll be.

If you're not sure what you should be doing to have better dental health, you're in the right place. In this article, we'll discuss the top ways to protect your gums and teeth for the rest of your life! Whether you're looking for a Dentist in Arlington TX, or simply want to level up on your tooth brushing skills, we can help.

Read on to learn how to improve your dental hygiene forever.

1. Brush and Floss Twice a Day

First, brushing your teeth twice daily is non-negotiable for good dental health. This will help remove plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that can cause tooth decay and gum disease. Plaque forms on your teeth within 24 hours, so it's important to brush at least twice a day to keep it at bay.

When you brush, use floss to clean between your teeth too. Plaque can also form between your teeth, which your toothbrush can't reach. Use dental floss or interdental cleaners (like picks or brushes) to clean between your teeth. This will help remove plaque and food particles and keep your smile healthy and bright.

Aim to brush your teeth for two minutes at least twice a day. Use gentle circular motions, and brush each tooth's front, back, and top.

2. Use the Right Type of Toothbrush

Are you using the right toothbrush? There are many different types of toothbrushes on the market, so choosing one that's right for you is important.

For example, if you have sensitive teeth, you might want to use a softer bristled brush. Alternatively, if you have braces or other dental appliances, you might need to use a special toothbrush. If you have children, make sure they're using a child-approved bristle.

The size of the brush is also important. A smaller brush head can help you reach all the nooks and crannies in your mouth, while a larger brush head might be easier to use.

3. Use the Right Type of Toothbrush

When it comes to toothpaste, there are also widely different varieties available. You might want to try several different types to see which one you prefer. Some toothpaste is designed for people with sensitive teeth, while others contain special ingredients that help to whiten your teeth.

4. Eat a Balanced Diet

Protect your teeth by eating a balanced diet. Be sure to include plenty of calcium-rich foods, such as milk, cheese, and yogurt. Also, eat foods that contain vitamin C, such as oranges and tomatoes. And limit sugary snacks and drinks.

You can also help protect your teeth by avoiding tobacco products. Tobacco use can lead to tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health problems.

If you use tobacco products, talk to your dentist about ways to quit. By taking care of your teeth and eating right, you can help keep your smile healthy for years to come!

5. Visit a Dentist in Arlington TX

Even with proper dental care at home, you still need to enlist the help of a professional. That's because tartar and plaque can build up in places you can't reach, no matter how diligently you brush and floss.

During a routine cleaning, your dentist will remove this buildup from your teeth, helping to prevent cavities, gum disease, and other oral health problems. And if you do have a problem, catching it early makes treatment much easier.

In addition to cleanings, your dentist can also detect signs of trouble during an exam. For instance, they may notice that one of your teeth is starting to crack or that your gums are beginning to recede. These problems can be addressed before they turn into major issues.

Are you looking for a Dentist in Arlington TX? Finding a dentist is a lot easier than you might think. Once you have someone you trust, make appointments immediately.

Request regular cleanings so you can keep cavities away. You should schedule regular dental checkups – typically once every six months – to keep your smile healthy and sparkling.

6. Dental Care With Fluoride

Does your toothpaste and mouthwash contain fluoride? If not, it's time to switch to products that do.

Fluoride is a natural mineral that helps protect teeth from decay. It strengthens the tooth's enamel, making it more resistant to acid attacks.

Fluoride is most effective when it's used daily. You can find fluoride in many products, including:

Toothpaste
Mouthwash
Gels
Rinses

Be sure to use products with the right amount of fluoride for your age. Too much fluoride can cause white spots on teeth. Check with your dentist if you're unsure how much fluoride to use.

7. Clean Your Tongue

Your tongue is one of the dirtiest parts of your body. It's covered in bacteria, food debris, and dead cells. And if you don't clean it, those things can build up and cause bad breath, a sour taste in your mouth, and a decreased sense of smell.

Not to mention, you'll be jeopardizing the health of your teeth! Fortunately, cleaning your tongue is easy to do. All you need is a soft toothbrush or tongue scraper.

Gently brush or scrape your tongue from back to front. Rinse your mouth with water afterward. Do this once a day, and you'll notice a difference in your taste and smell.

You can also use a tongue brush or scraper to remove plaque from your teeth. Make sure to do it gently, so you don't damage your gums.

Have the Best Dental Health

So there you have it! A quick and easy way to improve your oral hygiene. So, don't forget to give your tongue some love the next time you brush your teeth.

If you're not already using fluoride products, make the switch today. Finally, try reducing sugar and coffee, and watch your dental health improve!

Do you need a dental check-up from a dentist in Arlington TX? Then you should schedule one with dentist Heather E. Martinson, DDS. She's passionate about helping provide affordable smile solutions.

You deserve top-notch dental care. Schedule your first appointment today!

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Dr. Heather E. Martinson

D.D.S

Dr. Martinson has been serving patients and improving smiles through her work for the past 25 years. She attended both Southern University in Tennessee and the University of Texas at Arlington before earning her Doctor of Dental Surgery at Loma Linda University School of Dentistry in Southern California. She is a graduate of The Dawson Academy in Florida and the Schuster Center in Arizona, and has completed several cosmetic, implant and restorative continuing education courses. Dr. Martinson has also earned certification in the American Academy of Facial Esthetics. This allows her to provide Botox and dermal fillers to her dental patients.

The favorite part of Dr. Martinson’s job is being able to work closely with so many wonderful people and help them become healthier! And also help them to avoid heart attacks and strokes!

Dr. Martinson is married to Captain Myron Martinson (formerly a pilot with American Airlines). Together they have several 4-legged kiddos. When she is not busy at work, she enjoys bicycling, gardening, cooking, entertaining and traveling with family.

Dr. Martinson maintains active membership in the following professional organizations:

The Dental Implant Process Explained

By Heather E. Martinson, DDS • May 21, 2025

Undergoing a comprehensive surgical procedure, such as a dental implant, can be a big step. Still, studies like one by Tobias et al. (2025) report over a 97% success rate , even after five years. These show that it can offer significant long-term benefits with a reasonable guarantee of retention. So, if you are searching for a reliable solution to a dental issue, Dr. Heather Martinson, DDS, may be the one to choose for state-of-the-art implant surgery, but what does it entail? Below, our dental implants guide describes the dental implant process step-by-step to help you understand and feel more comfortable getting the smile you want. Explore each stage, from the initial consultation to attaching the crown. Then, discover what you might want to discuss with Dr. Heather Martinson, DDS, to ensure you get the desired results. Why Dental Implants are Our Best Fix for Missing Teeth Unlike crowns or fillings, dental implants are not a simple cap on an existing tooth . Nor are they intended to be temporary. Instead, they replace both the tooth's root and crown , preserving the jawbone and structure of the face by offering a complete prosthetic that the body should accept as its own. Titanium posts integrate with the bone and offer a very stable foundation for chewing. This is one of the reasons studies such as those by Kupka et al (2024) have found that dental implants often last for decades, with 80% continuing to last for over 20 years. With crowns, you will still need to be careful of what you bite into in case the prosthetic detaches from the tooth. However, implants can often restore the full force of your bite. For this reason, Dr. Heather Martinson, DDS , and her team prefer to use these prostheses, eliminating several difficulties one might encounter with other options. How Gaps Affect Function and Appearance We understand that it can sometimes be tempting to leave tooth gaps as they are due to the perceived hassle of installing a new implant. However, missing teeth can drastically impact the mouth beyond issues with appearance or speech patterns, as it can cause the jawbone itself to start "sagging" where the tooth no longer exists. Teeth may also begin to shift position, leading to bite issues. Early restoration via a professionally-implanted denture can prevent this loss and maintain the face's proportions. Perfect for maintaining a youthful visage. Why Implants Outperform Bridges and Dentures Bridges and dentures are critical parts of a high-quality dentistry offering . However, they do not tend to last as long as an implant due to how implants preserve the underlying bone. This fact may go a long way towards explaining why the NIDCR in the US has recently discussed a " fourfold increase " in the number of adults receiving dental implants over two decades. Still, that doesn't mean discounting these options. If you feel a bridge or denture may be best for you, you should discuss your options with our dental team . Discuss the pros and cons of each option. In some cases, implant-supported dentures are also available , allowing for a combination of both. Dental Implant Process Step-by-Step at Heather Martinson DDS Our implant procedure steps combine: Consultations 3D imaging Surgical planning Continual checks for precision Constant coordination with colleagues Using these, we can ensure that your results are accurate and efficient. Initial Consultation and 3D Scan The first step is always to take a detailed medical and dental history . Using this, we can determine if you have any risk factors, such as smoking habits, that we need to be aware of so we can help maintain your safety. Then, we will assess how your jaw aligns to ensure we do not interfere with this. Our advanced scanner can capture 3-dimensional images of every part of your mouth for precision-planning, including: Jawbones Sinuses Nerve canals Details of prior surgery We can even use this to preview the final outcome before surgery, allowing you to understand the most likely results and give a go-ahead from a position of knowledge. Precise Implant Placement Before the final crown "tooth" can be placed in the jaw, you will require surgery to install the implant itself. This implant is the structure that sits in your jawbone, maintaining the visible crown's position while preventing it from moving. This step involves local anesthesia or other forms of sedation to ensure your comfort. Then, the dentist will create a path for your implant to sit within your jaw. The implant is up to 5mm in diameter and up to 13mm in length, meaning it is robust enough to prevent damage due to torsion or other forces. After the placement, the dentist will use sutures and a protective cap to shield the site. During this healing phase, the implant undergoes "osseointegration," which is the growth of bone cells around the implant surface. This process takes up to six months to ensure it integrates with the body. Once the dentist is sure that your body has accepted the implant, they will reveal the site of the implant and perform a scan to ensure that an external lab can produce a perfect crown for the area, matching your prior teeth as closely as possible. After the final attachment, you can review the tooth , offering feedback such as colour adjustments or determining whether it needs minor alteration to match your bite. Long-Term Implant Care The Arlington, TX, dental care experts can offer advice and guidance on the best steps to ensure that the implant lasts as long as possible and remains comfortable. However, should you need anything else , their clinic will be available for you to follow up, so ask them for more details on how you need to schedule follow-up appointments to ensure you get the best results. Take the Next Step with One of the Best Dentists in Arlington After learning the dental implant process step-by-step , you should understand what it entails and be able to make better healthcare decisions. With over 25 years of experience in Arlington, TX, we can ensure your treatment focuses on improving your dental health and restoring your natural and healthy beauty using the latest techniques and advances. If you want to investigate the possibility of an implant, remember that you can always request a free consultation with Heather Martinson, DDS. Following that, you should be able to begin your journey to regain your full chewing ability and a confident smile.