We’re a little late, but we’d like to wish a warm happy New Year to you and your loved ones. Dr. Kostas, , and our whole team hope 2017 is full of good health and prosperity. That goes for your smile, too. This year, we encourage you to make a vow to your oral health by visiting your dentist in Burlington for two regular checkups and cleanings — in addition to practicing these other healthy smile habits.
In 2017, Resolve To…
1) Brush and Floss More
If you’re like most adults, you’re not really brushing and flossing as much as you should. And that’s ok — it’s never too late to start taking proper care of your smile. When it comes to avoiding tooth decay and gum disease, brushing and flossing are absolutely non-negotiable. Without them, the bacteria that’s naturally present in your mouth combines with leftover food particles, sugars, and acids to create the plaque and tartar that cause trouble.
Brush for two minutes, twice a day, and floss daily. Set a timer to ensure you’re reaching the two-minute mark every time, and leave a post-it note (or two) on your bathroom mirror to remind yourself to floss. Kill two birds with one stone by doing some exercises while you brush.
2) Drink More Water
Most people are dehydrated. Don’t go through your days with a parched mouth — hydration helps keep your teeth and gums clean of bacteria. Ever noticed that your breath is fresher after you drink a glass of water? There’s something to that. Grab a water bottle and start sipping throughout the day; in addition to healthier hair, skin, and nails, hydration aids in better oral health, too.
3) Chew Sugar-Free Gum
Popping a piece of sugar-free gum in your mouth after or between meals stimulates saliva flow for a cleaner, fresher mouth. While the dental community has long believed that the xylitol found in sugar free gum helps to prevent cavities, it turns out the evidence between xylitol and cavity-prevention is actually unclear — but there’s no doubt about the fact that more saliva flow equals a healthier mouth.
4) Kick Bad Habits
Are you a nervous nail biter, or a bored pen chewer? These habits may seem insignificant beyond a bad manicure, but they actually put your teeth at a real risk of chipping or breaking. In 2017, try to break these little tics. Take note of when you are likely to start biting, and make a conscious effort to stop for the good of your smile.
Other damaging habits include:
- Chewing on ice
- Playing contact sports without a mouthguard
- Opening packages with your teeth
Schedule Two Appointments at Complete Dental Care!
This year, vow to attend two checkups and cleanings at Complete Dental Care! Regular preventive attention is key to keeping your teeth and gums healthy for a lifetime. Contact us to schedule your two visits with Dr. Kostas or in 2017.
