Ellensburg Dental Care

5 Ways to Start the New Year With A Healthy Smile

The new year is the perfect time to start fresh.

As the year draws to a close, many people are thinking of their new year’s resolutions. If your promise to yourself for 2022 is to get shinier, brighter, and healthier teeth, then it’s never too early to start. Your dental health makes a huge impact on your overall health, so improving your tooth care routine can even give you a huge boost as we push into 2022!

5 Ways to Start the Year with a Healthy Smile

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! These tips will help you start:

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1. 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 gumline. 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.

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2. Power up your toothbrush

Another place to revisit your tooth-cleaning routine is your brush. While manual toothbrushes work, they don’t have the power and consistency of a good electric toothbrush. The vibrations from these brushes help to dislodge stubborn plaque and clean your teeth in ways a manual brush never could. With their replaceable brush heads, they’re also more eco-friendly than old-fashioned brushes.

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3. 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.

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4. Choose Fluoride Toothpaste

If you haven’t already, you should ditch the old-fashioned toothpaste. Fluoride toothpaste is built to strengthen your teeth and prevent further enamel loss. Regularly brushing with fluoride toothpaste can help regenerate lost enamel and prevent future cavities.

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5. Keep up with your dentist appointments

If it has 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!

Sources:
https://www.dentalassociates.com/blog/5-ways-start-year-healthy-smile
https://www.brushseattle.com/5-ways-to-start-the-year-with-a-healthy-smile/

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