Dental Tips & Tricks Video Library
Welcome to the Dental Tips & Tricks Video Library from District Dental Surgery, your trusted periodontal specialists in Washington, DC, and Bethesda, MD. Our team created these short, easy-to-follow videos to help you take better care of your teeth and gums between visits. From the right brushing angle to managing gum sensitivity and caring for dental implants, you’ll find expert advice straight from our doctors.
Healthy gums are the foundation of a healthy smile—and with the right knowledge, you can protect them for life.
If brushing your teeth doubles as your daily arm workout, we need to talk. Dr. Raha Yousefi is here to set the record straight on toothbrushing!
- Use a soft-bristled brush
- Angle it 45° to the gumline
- 2 minutes, twice a day
- All surfaces—don’t leave your molars out
This is a toothbrush, not a Brillo pad. Be gentle! Brushing harder ≠ cleaner teeth. It means gum recession—and that’s when you end up in our chair. Brush gently. Twice a day. Two minutes. Your gums will thank you.
Skipping flossing is like showering but only washing half your body! Brushing alone only cleans about 60% of your teeth, leaving harmful bacteria and plaque hiding where your toothbrush can’t reach- between your teeth and below your gums!
Watch Dr. Raha Yousefi show you how to kick plaque to the curb and give your gums a full spa treatment. Flossing and using proxy brushes or soft-picks removes the hidden plaque, protects your gums, and prevents gum disease and cavities before they start.
Dr. Raha Yousefi isn’t just a periodontist, she’s also a mom of four boys! She knows how hard it is to make time for yourself, so she’s sharing her real-life tips to keep your smile healthy on even the craziest days. Quick, simple, and mom-approved.
- Tip 1: We know mornings are chaos. But brushing twice a day is still the foundation of a healthy smile. Keep an extra toothbrush in the kitchen or bathroom where you get the kids ready, so you can sneak in a quick brush while they’re brushing theirs or while supervising bath time. You can also keep your purse!
- Tip 2: Flossing feels impossible when you’re running from soccer games to bedtime routines, right? Keep a stash in the car, your desk, or your purse. Use them while waiting at pickup or during TV time.
- Tip 3: And here’s a tip for all the snack times—sticky, sugary snacks can cling to teeth and cause cavities. Crunchy fruits and veggies like apples or carrots help clean your teeth naturally. And don’t forget to drink water—it’s your mouth’s best friend.
- Tip 4: Don’t Skip Your Cleanings. We know it’s tough to prioritize yourself, but your dental cleanings are just as important as pediatrician visits for your kids. Gum disease can affect your overall health, too. If scheduling is tricky, book your appointments right after drop-off or during school hours. We’re here to make it convenient for you.
Did you know your oral health is directly connected to your overall health? Even without obvious symptoms, harmful bacteria can quietly affect your body, increasing your risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, dementia, pregnancy complications, and more!
Gum disease often starts silently, long before you feel pain or notice bleeding… causing bad breath, tooth decay, bone disease, and even tooth loss. Bacteria from your gums can enter your bloodstream, fueling inflammation throughout your body and contributing to serious health conditions.
And did you know? These harmful bacteria can also be shared between partners, parents, and children, and close contacts. Protecting your oral health helps protect the people you care about most.
Routine professional dental cleanings are essential because they break up the bacterial biofilm that you cannot remove at home — the sticky matrix where harmful bacteria grow and thrive. Disturbing this biofilm through cleaning stops its growth, protects your gums, and keeps your whole body healthier.
For expecting mothers, keeping gums healthy is even more important — gum disease has been linked to low birth weight and premature births. Let’s not forget that the mother introduces the first bacteria to their baby.
At District Dental Surgery, we don’t just treat disease — we help you to prevent it. Our personalized care focuses on early detection, prevention, and protection of your oral and systemic health for life.
You can also check out our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@DistrictDentalSurgery
Why Choose District Dental Surgery?
At District Dental Surgery, our board-certified periodontists specialize in advanced gum procedures using the latest technology. Patients from Washington, DC and Bethesda, MD choose us for our precision, expertise, and compassionate care. We focus on protecting your natural teeth, restoring gum health and aesthetics, minimizing discomfort with modern techniques, and creating long-term, natural-looking results.