2018 has officially arrived. We want to help you start the new year off right with these healthy dental habits.
Brush Your Teeth for a Full Two Minutes
In the new year, resolve to brush your teeth for the American Dental Association-recommended two minutes, twice a day. Many people brush their teeth twice a day, but far fewer brush for the full two minutes. Need help getting through the two minutes? Purchase an electric toothbrush; many make a sound once the time is up. Brushing twice a day, every day for a full two minutes can also help prevent your need for dental procedures such as root canals. In 2018, brush for the full two minutes to fight against poor oral health!
Floss At Least Once a Day, Every Day
Flossing is vital for your oral health, but it is often the dental chore that we find ourselves skipping. By flossing your teeth, you remove plaque from between your teeth which, if left on your teeth, can cause cavities, tooth decay, and gum disease. You can use traditional floss or dental picks to clean between your teeth – whatever is most helpful to you, as long as you’re flossing at least once a day!
Chew Sugarless Gum
Chewing sugarless gum helps increase your salivary flow and washes away acids produced when food is broken down by bacteria in the mouth. When there isn’t enough saliva, acid can break down the tooth enamel. This can lead to decay, cavities, and even more serious dental issues. An increase in saliva also means more calcium and phosphate, both of which help strengthen tooth enamel. Reach for a piece of sugarless gum after you eat to help improve your oral health.
Stop Smoking
It’s hard to have good oral hygiene if you’re a smoker, and there’s no better time to quit smoking than the new year. There are a number of great resources online as well as smoking cessation groups, apps that track your progress, and more. Save your dental and overall health in 2018!
Watch Your Diet
Improving your diet is one of the most popular resolutions people make at the start of a new year. This year, though, make the resolution for more than just your waistband. Make smart, healthy choices in 2018 by reaching for nutritious foods like vegetables and fruits, such as celery and apples, which help prevent tooth decay and gum disease. Food high in carbohydrates and sugars, such as chips and candy, can lead to serious dental health issues like cavities if they aren’t removed from your tooth’s surface or from between your teeth.
See Your Dentist for Regular Cleanings
Resolve to see your dentist every six months for a regular check-up and cleaning in the new year. A professional cleaning is a vital part of practicing good oral hygiene, and many insurance plans cover these appointments.
These healthy dental resolutions will help you maintain good oral hygiene in the new year. Be sure to schedule an appointment with us for 2018!