What does ringing in the New Year have to do with your teeth? A lot, of course! The new year is a time for resolutions and as people set their sights on improving their health, many fail to see how important it is to consider your dental health as well! This is a great time to refamiliarize yourself with your dental hygiene regime and adjust accordingly, so whether you want to fix up some habits or try a dental treatment, we are here to help you achieve a new smile this year with these dental resolutions!
Brushing and Flossing
The champion rule of dental hygiene is to brush at least twice a day and floss daily. We understand that sometimes people can get sidetracked and forget to uphold the golden rule. However, the new year is a good time for a fresh start. Remember to brush for at least two minutes to keep plaque from building up on your teeth. Flossing will help you to remove any leftover bits of food and plaque between teeth and underneath the gum line where your toothbrush can’t reach.
Toothbrushes should be replaced every 3-4 months or once the bristles have frayed. You will also want to replace your toothbrush after each professional cleaning. Brush gently at a 45-degree angle towards the gum line to clean teeth properly as brushing and flossing can help to prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath.
Well-Balanced Diet
Food and beverage choice plays a large part in your dental health as frequent consumption of food and beverages with high sugar or acid content can contribute to the development of cavities or other oral health problems. Remember to drink plenty of water to not only keep your breath fresh, but also to rinse away any leftover sugars from throughout the day. Also, consider limiting your intake of dark drinks and foods that can stain your teeth. Eating fibrous foods and dairy products can help to keep your mouth clean and your teeth strong.
Routine Exams
Routine visits to the dentist can help to prevent oral disease and detect any oral health complications early on. If it’s been a while since your last trip to the dentist, have no fear, it is better late than never. Commit to visiting the dentist every six months so that your dentist can clean and monitor the condition of your teeth. Your dentist will be able to provide you with a proper care or treatment plan for all your dental wants and needs this year.
A good tip to help you keep up with your appointments is to schedule your next one before you leave the office and place a reminder in your calendar immediately.
Improving Your Smile
There are many techniques and treatments that we can offer to you to help improve your smile such as teeth whitening or cosmetic dentistry. You can ask your dentist for recommendations on over-the-counter whitening products or even ask about treatments available at the office.
Making New Year’s resolutions can be fun, but be sure to keep them as simple as possible so you can keep up with them. Don’t try to take on too many changes at once, it’s okay to add them in as the year progresses so you don’t become overwhelmed. We are committed to helping you achieve a new and brilliant smile this year, for more information about how our office can help you, please contact Manon Bourque Hutchison, DDS Family & Cosmetic Dentistry today.