Have you started thinking about your New Year’s Resolutions? If so, you should remember your smile! With a few simple changes to your daily routine, you could significantly improve your oral health. In today’s blog, your Garland, TX, dentist talks about making resolutions that boost your overall oral health.
Taking Time to Brush
Let’s start by talking about brushing your teeth. Often, we find that people who take time to brush, just don’t do so for long enough. To properly clean your teeth and fight cavities, as well as bad breath and teeth stains, you need to clean your smile for at least two minutes when you first wake up, and then again before going to bed at night. Be sure the brush you use has soft bristles to prevent gum recession or inadvertent enamel damage. You can go electric or use a manual one, as when used properly both are effective. As for your toothpaste, put the focus on fluoride. Look for the American Dental Association’s Seal of Acceptance on the packaging, as this means there is enough fluoride to safely protect your outer enamel and limit the risk of cavities.
Always Floss!
Brushing is great, but to really protect your smile, especially your gum health, you need to floss each evening before going to bed. Each session should involve using floss to clean each side of every tooth, running the tape up and down each side. Be sure you also dip beneath the gum line in a “c” motion to remove trapped food and drink particles. This helps protect your smile by removing the food particles a toothbrush alone cannot.
Cutting Out Sugar
Did you know that when you eat foods and drink beverages high in sugar and starch, this leaves behind particles for harmful oral bacteria to break down? The result is plaque buildup, which clings to the teeth and increases the risk of bad breath, teeth stains, tooth decay, and even gum disease. Which is why we suggest cutting back on how much sugar and starch you consume in a day, and adding healthier items and plenty of water to your menu.
Checkups and Cleanings
Twice a year, we want to see you for a checkup and cleaning, so we can monitor your oral health for signs of trouble, and also remove all plaque and tartar buildup from the surfaces of your teeth.
Talk To Your Garland, TX Dentist About Boosting Your Oral Health
We would like to help you maintain good oral health in 2023 and beyond. For more information about protecting your overall oral health, then please schedule a consultation today by contacting Mai Dentistry in Garland, TX at (972)-530-0552. You can also find our practice at 6850 N Shiloh Rd, Suite C Garland, TX 75044.
