BLOG New Year's dental resolutions - Nakeji Dental Clinic

YOUR NEW YEAR'S DENTAL RESOLUTIONS

Starting a new year is a perfect time to improve routines, and to start new ones. It's popular to make healthy lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise changes, but new year's resolutions aren't just from the neck down. Make a promise to improve your oral health routine, a resolution that can impact your body as a whole. Your smile deserves a change, too.

Floss once a day

Flossing is very important to maintain a healthy oral health routine. Do you know why? Flossing removes food particles and plaque that accumulate between your teeth. When you skip flossing, you don't clean 35% of the surface of your teeth. If you don't floss, plaque builds up and can cause gingivitis, a gum disease. Floss to improve your oral health.

Brush twice a day

You probably know that dentists recommend brushing your teeth for two minutes, twice daily. There are a variety of types of toothbrushes you can choose from (Traditional vs. Electric). Choose which one you prefer, both types work the same. It is important to maintain good tooth brushing technique. Consider these points:

Use toothpaste containing fluoride to prevent cavities
Place your brush at an angle towards the gums.
Brush gently - you don't need a lot of pressure to clean plaque from teeth.
Vigorous cleaning of the teeth may cause bleeding and pain.
Concentrate on cleaning every surface of your teeth.
Brushing your tongue removes bacteria that cause bad breath.

Have your teeth cleaned at least twice a year.

It is very important to make a professional cleaning appointment every year. These appointments reduce the risk of cavities and gum disease; but there are still many who do not make their two appointments each year. Many insurances cover two cleanings each year, there is no reason not to take advantage of them. Cleanings reduce plaque and tartar on teeth, and can also alert you to more serious oral problems.

Smoking cessation

Giving up cigarettes, and other forms of smoking, is very difficult. As you know, smoking can cause disease. Here are some of the risks of smoking: plaque, poor nutrition, tooth discoloration, tooth decay and cancer, each of which is more difficult to cure if you continue to smoke. There are several options to assist with smoking cessation. Talk to your doctor about the best option for you.

Drinking more water

Water has many oral health benefits. Water helps rinse the teeth of food particles. Also, most water contains fluoride, which helps prevent cavities. Water also assists your body in producing saliva. Saliva is very important for several reasons:

Keeps your mouth moist and comfortable.
Fights microbes and prevents spoiled food
Maintain healthy taste buds
Protects tooth enamel
Prevents cavities and gum disease

The next time you think about drinking a soda, consider drinking a glass of water.

Start the year with a wonderful smile.

Many resolutions focus on losing weight, or joining a new gym, but making a resolution for your dental health has benefits that show throughout the year. If you have questions about improving your oral health, contact us today or schedule an appointment. Giving reasons to smile we love it. The year 2023 is the year of big smiles!