We can hardly believe that 2020 is already here upon us! The holidays have come and gone and now we’re focusing on our goals for this new year. You probably have some ideas already about what you want to achieve, whether that’s in your personal life or your professional life. As dental professionals, oral health is always at the forefront of our minds, so we can’t help but offer up some dental-related New Year’s resolutions for you to consider. They might not be your standard resolutions, but committing to one, several, or all of these throughout this year will be sure to help your smile.
- Visit the Dentist Twice
- Floss Every Day
- Swap to Sugar-Free Gum
- Replace Your Toothbrush on Time
- Turn Off the Water While Brushing
Many people let their dental appointments fall by the wayside if they’re not experiencing any issues. Or they go only once a year. But did you know the professional recommendation is that you should be seeing your dentist twice a year? In 2020, commit to visit us here at Southwest Smiles at least every six months. Some patients benefit from additional visits, particularly if you: are pregnant; use tobacco products; receive an organ transplant; or are diagnosed with gum disease, oral cancer, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, heart disease, or cerebral vascular disease (stroke).
A combination of brushing and flossing is essential for healthy gums. If you’re not already flossing regularly, make it a habit to floss at least once a day. Once you get into the swing of things, it’ll start becoming second nature just like brushing twice a day is.
When buying a pack of chewing gum at the store, opt for sugar-free. This way you’re protecting your teeth from sugar that can lead to cavities. For added protection, look for a sugar-free gum with xylitol, which is a natural sweetener that may help reduce the amount of bad bacteria in your mouth.
Make sure your dental tools are in good condition. Did you know that you should be replacing your toothbrush every three months? This is the average time it takes for the bristles to get frayed, which means they won’t be cleaning as well. If you have an electric toothbrush, swap out the toothbrush head for a new one at this time.
With this little act, you’ll improve the health of your wallet and the planet while caring for your dental health! After you’ve wet your toothbrush, make sure to turn off the tap so the water isn’t running the whole time you are brushing your teeth. You’d be surprised how much water is wasted this way. An average of two gallons of water flow from the faucet each minute, so you’d save about 1460 gallons a year by turning off the water when brushing your teeth!
Southwest Smiles Wishes You a Happy New Year!
If you’re a pro at all of these and want additional ideas for dental New Year’s resolutions, reach out to Southwest Smiles. Our team always enjoys helping people in our community learn ways to better care for their smile. We’d be happy to help you with your dental goals this year! Contact us today.
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