5 Healthy Dental Habits for the New Year
January 8, 2023 9:28 amHappy New Year! With 2022 all wrapped up and 2023 just beginning, now is the perfect time to think about the goals you want to achieve and the habits you want to put in place. As you contemplate your personal goals and health habits in particular, we invite you to consider the following dental-related ones. Incorporating these simple practices into your daily life can allow you to enjoy the benefits of a beautiful, healthy smile!
- Brush & Floss Daily
- Use Proper Brushing & Flossing Technique
- Replace Your Toothbrush Often
- Get Necessary Protective Gear
- Visit the Dentist Twice a Year
Even if you’ve just come home tired from a long night out or you woke up too late and are rushing to get out the door, don’t forget to daily brush and floss. Brushing twice a day and flossing at least once a day are the foundation of maintaining good oral health and preventing bad breath and dental disease.
If you’re putting in the time and effort to take care of your teeth, you might as well make it the most effective as possible! Gently brush your toothbrush against your teeth and gums using gentle, circular motions to brush all surfaces. We recommend investing in an electric toothbrush if you haven’t already. For string flossing, curve the floss like a “C” around each tooth, pushing slightly under the gumline. A water flosser is another great flossing tool. It stimulates bloodflow in your gums and helps remove plaque and food particles from under your gums.
Did you know that you should be replacing your toothbrush every three months? That’s about the time when the bristles start to break down, which makes them less effective at cleaning. The same rule applies to toothbrush heads if you’re using an electric toothbrush. Some electric toothbrushes even have a notification feature that indicates it’s time to replace the head.
If you play contact sports or you grind your teeth at night, you should get a protective custom mouthguard as soon as possible. Shielding your teeth from potential injury and wear and tear will reduce your risk of experiencing a dental emergency and save you pain, time, and money in the future.
Even if you have a great at-home dental routine in place, you still need to see the dentist twice a year for routine checkups and cleanings. Your dental team will be able to spot any developing issues early, remove any plaque or tartar that’s built up that you haven’t been able to remove on your own, and suggest ways to improve your oral health habits.
Are you interested in more personalized dental healthcare tips? Or are you ready to book your first routine dental checkup for 2023? Please contact Alma Dental Care today to schedule your visit! We are proud to help our Petaluma community achieve their best, brightest smiles.
Categorised in: Dental Tips, Oral Health, Oral Hygiene, Preventive Dental Care
