While the new year is still a couple months away, there’s always time to think about your upcoming new year’s resolution! According to a dentist, choosing a resolution focused on your oral health can have major positive implications for your long-term quality of life, not just your smile. To get started, consider taking a look at the following resolutions recommended by a dental professional. By doing so, you can get a head start on improving and protecting your smile going into the new year!
Take a Closer Look at Your Brushing
There’s a pretty good chance that your brushing could be even more effective than you realize. For example, the best brushing routine includes the following habits:
- Brushing twice a day
- Brushing for at least two minutes at a time
- Replacing your toothbrush (or toothbrush head) every three to four months
- Holding your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle while brushing
- Clean all surfaces of your teeth
- Brush along the gum line as well as your tongue
- Use fluoridated toothpaste
By keeping these tips in mind, your oral hygiene will be substantially more effective and further reduce the risk of cavities.
Make Flossing Easier
While using traditional floss is easy for most people, it’s not necessarily easy for everyone. For example, using floss picks might be better if you find regular floss too cumbersome. Additionally, adding a water flosser to your routine can make removing food debris and plaque not just easier, but more enjoyable! If the space between your teeth is very tight, you’ll want to opt for monofilament varieties of floss as well. These are more effective at slipping in and out from between teeth. Avoid waxed flosses as these can shred quite easily.
Make Small Changes to Your Diet
Your diet can have just as much of an impact on your oral health as your brushing and flossing habits. Be sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your mouth moist and prevent dryness. Avoid snacking throughout the day as well, especially on foods that are very starchy or contain lots of sugar. Chew sugar-free gum in between meals to keep saliva production high. Saliva helps clean the mouth and fight against harmful oral bacteria, so ADA-approved chewing gum can provide additional protection against tooth decay.
Address Dental Issues Once and for All
It’s important to visit a dentist once every six months for a checkup and cleaning. However, if you know you are in need of another dental service or appliance, such as a nightguard, dental filling, crown, or something else, the new year is the perfect time to get started. Not only will you protect your teeth from future damage, but you can go into the new year with confidence knowing you did everything possible to ensure a healthy smile!
About Sarah Pitarra DDS
Dr. Sarah Pitarra and Dr. Amy Vela are highly experienced dental professionals who regularly expand their skillsets in the dental field to provide the best dentistry possible to their patients. They love getting to know their patients’ dental needs and help them achieve healthy smiles. To schedule a checkup with their office, you can contact them through their website.