The new year is a time for reinvention. We use the saying “out with the old and in with the new” to describe eliminating the negative aspects of our life and investing in ones that will produce better results. In this case, we propose that you toss out your old, bad oral hygiene habits and opt for healthier ones. This new year we want you to pledge to protect your teeth, and we are here to help with a few steps towards a healthy smile.

 

1. Get To Know Your Mouth

Sure, you may think you know your mouth–but how well do you really know it? What shade of pink are your gums? Does your mouth usually feel this dry? Answering these questions may help you see early warning signs of gum disease, cavities and other oral health issues and save your smile in the long run. So, invest in some quality time to really get to know your mouth, and if you see anything that worries you make sure you contact your dentist.

 

2. Form a Routine

It’s easy to fall into bad oral habits when you don’t have a routine. You flossed yesterday, right? Or was that Sunday? Not sticking to a schedule makes your smile suffer, so invest in one that works for you. Here is a suggested routine:

• Brush Your Teeth
  • Once in the morning, once before bed.
  • Brush for at least two minutes, and include all surfaces.
  • Don’t forget to include your tongue!
• Floss
  • Once a day, before bed.
  • Make sure you get the back of the mouth as well.
• Use Mouthwash
  • Once in the morning, once before bed.
  • Swish for 30 seconds before spitting.

The routine may seem rigorous if you are not used to flossing and mouth-washing daily, but once you get into the hang of it you will see a difference in the health of your smile.

 

3. Add Fluoride Products Into Your Routine

Many believe that fluoride is only helpful to young children, but the truth is that fluoride products are beneficial to everyone who is fighting tooth decay. Adding fluoride into your routine is as easy as using a mouthwash or toothpaste that contains fluoride, and can be purchased at your local drugstore.

 

4. Cut Out The Top Healthy Smile Offenders: Sugar & Tobacco

It comes as no surprise that what you put in your mouth directly affects your smile. Sugary products can be a treat, but when your teeth are exposed to this on a daily basis it wears down on your enamel and causes cavities to form. Indulging less often in sugary products will help keep your smile healthy, especially if followed up with immediate brushing.

Tobacco has an array of negative affects on your smile when used even infrequently, from staining your teeth to developing gum disease, tobacco is a big no-no if you are looking for a healthy smile.

All-in-all, there are many reasons cutting back on these two products can be beneficial to your health, but it is also very important if you want a healthy smile.

 

5. Schedule Regular Dental Visits

As an adult, remembering to visit the dentist can sometimes be difficult, but regular dental visits are imperative if you want to keep your smile clean and healthy. The average adult should visit the dentist about two times a year–but it’s possible you may need to go more frequently if you have serious dental issues. We suggest that you make a note in your calendar now, that way when it is time to schedule an appointment you won’t forget.

If you want to better assess your oral hygiene plan for the new year or have any concerns regarding your smile, contact Greenspoint Dental today for an appointment.