The start of a new year prompts many to reflect on their daily habits. How are your oral health habits? Here are 5 simple habits that will help you maintain a healthy smile all year long!
- Make Your Oral Hygiene Routine Obvious & Enjoyable
- Brush Twice a Day for Two Minutes Each Time
- Floss Every Day
- Consume a Balanced Diet
- Visit Us Regularly
With any new habit, the best way to ensure it becomes a regular part of your life is to make it as obvious and enjoyable as possible! To create a daily oral hygiene routine, set your toothpaste, toothbrush, and floss on the bathroom counter where you’ll see it every morning and every night. An electric toothbrush, appealing toothpaste flavor, and cushy bathroom rug can make the experience more enjoyable.
The American Dental Association and our team at Southwest Smiles recommends gently brushing your teeth twice every day for two minutes each time. If you decide to buy an electric toothbrush, make sure it has an automatic timer that reminds you to move to a different quarter of your mouth every 30 seconds (e.g. top right, bottom right, bottom left, top left.)
Don’t skip daily flossing! This critical oral hygiene step removes bacteria and food particles from between your teeth and from under your gums, which are areas your toothbrush just can’t reach. It does not matter whether you floss in the morning or the evening, or before or after brushing, as long as you do it every day! A combination of brushing, flossing, and routine dental visits will greatly reduce your risk of developing bad breath, cavities, and gum disease.
While a good at-home oral hygiene routine is an important step toward a healthy smile, you should not overlook the power of your diet. Minimize sweets and other drinks and foods high in sugar and simple carbohydrates. Maximize healthy fruits, vegetables, and proteins. Additionally, only chew sugar-free gum and avoid tobacco products.
Keeping up with your preventive care (regular cleanings, exams, and oral cancer screenings) at Southwest Smiles allows our team to keep a close eye on your dental health. We can identify and treat any potential problems before they develop into serious issues, suggest tips to improve your at-home oral health habits, and answer any dental-related questions you may have.
To schedule your next appointment at Southwest Smiles, please contact us today!