2021 has finally come to an end! As the hustle and bustle of the New Year begins, you may be taking time to reflect on the past year and what changes you’d like to make in 2022. If you noticed that, given the craziness of the past year, your oral hygiene habits are lacking, it may be time to make a few dental health resolutions to get yourself back on track. As an added bonus, improving your dental care will result in less money spent in the long run, as you won’t be faced with the complex issues that often result from a bad routine. So if you also set a goal to save more money in 2022, these resolutions will keep your wallet happy and your smile healthy!
Three Ways to Improve Your Oral Hygiene Habits
1. Back to the Basics
Thanks to fancy electric toothbrushes and new whitening technology, basic oral hygiene can sometimes get swept under the rug. Even though it seems so easy, what your smile needs the most is just everyday upkeep. If you feel as though you’ve been overlooking the age-old habits you have been told for years, it’s time to revisit the basics, such as:
- Make sure you are gently brushing your teeth for two minutes, twice per day.
- For optimal cleaning, angle your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle towards your gums.
- Commit to flossing once per day, preferably in the evening to clean out bits of food and bacteria from the day.
- Look for a toothpaste that contains fluoride, which helps to protect your teeth against tooth decay.
This seemingly simple routine can be the difference between a healthy and an unhealthy smile. Plus, it can ward off the development of cavities and diseases.
2. Switch Up Your Diet
Your diet plays a huge role in your oral hygiene. What you eat every day determines the health of your teeth and gums. Sugary snacks and drinks, for example, can really do a number on your oral health, as the bad bacteria feeds off sugar and creates an acid that erodes your enamel and leads to tooth decay. Making a commitment to cut down on sugar this year can do wonders for your smile. If you are going to snack on a sweet treat every once and a while, make sure to rinse your mouth out with water afterwards to prevent the sugar from sitting on your teeth.
A Final Dental Health Resolution
3. Visit Your Dentist Regularly
A dental appointment every six months is the best way to catch dental concerns before they become bigger (and more expensive) problems. Our preventive care visits include a comprehensive dental exam, advanced screenings for complex dental issues, and a professional dental cleaning. If it’s been a while since you last visited the dentist, consider making an appointment today. Even better, schedule both of your appointments for 2022 and check off one of your dental health resolutions within the first month of the year!
Schedule an appointment at Maitland Ave. Smile Co. today!
Check out our Dental Blog to learn more about topics like pediatric dentistry, dental anxiety, and the impact of stress on oral health.