4 Ways to Start the Year with a Healthy Smile

The new year is the perfect time to start fresh. Many people will be making resolutions to be healthier through exercise and/or diet, so why not improve your oral health too?

The mouth is the gateway to the body and maintaining good oral health can help prevent other health issues such as heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. Specifically for children, establishing a good oral health routine early on can set them up for a lifetime of good habits.

Be sure to help your kids brush twice a day and floss once to ensure they’re on the right path to a healthy mouth!

Here are 4 tips to help you start the year off with the best oral health possible:

Revisit your flossing routine Flossing once a day is extremely important to your oral health. A toothbrush is only able to reach 60% of your teeth’s surfaces, and flossing is the only way to remove plaque and debris from the other 40%. However, flossing only provides a benefit to your oral health when done correctly. By not using a C-shape when flossing and not going far enough under the gums, flossing won’t remove the plaque hidden in between your teeth and deep under the gum-line. On the contrary, those who floss too hard run the risk of damaging their gums, resulting in additional oral health issues down the road. Be sure to ask your hygienist for tips at your next appointment and take the time to learn proper flossing technique.
Don’t forget the tongue! Your tongue has millions of bacteria living on it and can contribute to plaque buildup resulting in cavities. It also contains taste buds and folds, which can harbor buildup and residue leading to bad breath. When you brush, be sure to gently brush your tongue as well to remove bacteria.
Cut back on sugar Sugar has a direct relationship to tooth decay. By cutting back on your sugar intake, you can decrease your risk of developing cavities. Limiting those delicious sweets can be difficult, so I recommend trying some substitutions such as sugar-free seltzer water instead of soda or chewing sugar-free gum when a craving arises. Chewing sugar-free gum after a meal is actually a good thing! It can help wash away food particles and harmful bacteria until you’re able to brush your teeth. For those special occasions when you need a sweet treat, stay away from hard candy or sticky gummies, as they stay on the teeth for longer and mix with the plaque on your teeth to turn into harmful acid that breaks away enamel. You can also choose chocolates instead since they melt away quickly and don’t stay in the mouth for as long.
Schedule your next appointment soon Especially if it’s been over 6 months since your last appointment, be sure to schedule a dental cleaning and exam soon. Especially if you’re experiencing sensitivity or pain, or have an area of concern in the mouth, it’s best not to wait. The longer we wait to address any dental issues, the more painful (and costly!) that issue becomes. Don’t let your oral health fall by the wayside!