New Year is a time for making changes. Most New Year resolutions are centred on improving your health or personal growth and development. Instead, why not resolve to be different this year and resolve to improve oral health? You will help to protect your overall health and your wallet, and you'll benefit from a healthy, confident smile.
Overhaul Your Daily Routine
A proper daily dental care routine is easier than you might imagine, and it doesn't take long for something that feels like a chore to become a well-established habit. Flossing is a good example as many people will avoid this task, but when you perform it regularly, you will soon get to enjoy the sensation of having a cleaner and fresher mouth and gums that look and feel in the pink of health, not to mention praise from our dental team on caring for your teeth and gums so well.
Your daily dental care routine should include the following:
· Twice daily brushing using a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid harming your teeth and gums.
· Fluoridated toothpaste to help protect against tooth decay. After brushing, spit, but don't rinse, so a thin coating of toothpaste will remain on your teeth, offering a little extra protection.
· Daily flossing ensures you clean thoroughly between each tooth. If you can't get on with flossing, ask us for help. We can discuss other tools to try, like interdental brushes, soft picks or an electrical flossing device and can guarantee there will be something you will find easy to use and which will quickly become second nature.
If you wish to use mouthwash, pick an alcohol-free brand that won't dry out your mouth and preferably contains fluoride or is antimicrobial.
Choose Tooth-Friendly Foods
Your diet and when you eat certain foods can impact your oral health. When you eat foods that feed harmful bacteria, allowing them to thrive, your risk of dental disease increases. These include anything sweet or carbohydrate-rich, so these foods are best kept as part of your main meal. Avoid snacking on sugary or starchy foods between meals, and ensure you eat lots of fruits and vegetables and other nutrient-rich foods. If you are unsure, we can always review your diet and make some useful suggestions.
Quit Smoking
Quitting smoking is a popular resolution at this time of year, and if it is on your list, make this the year you finally stop for good. Tobacco stains your teeth, causes bad breath and increases your risk of gum disease and oral cancer, not to mention the detrimental effect on your general health.
Keep Up to Date with Professional Dental Care
Regular dental checkups and hygiene appointments are vital for ensuring you enjoy optimal oral health year-round. Most people need to see us twice yearly, and you only need to spend about an hour each time. It is the perfect way to prevent any dental problems from developing or worsening and will save you time and money in the longer term.