‘Tis the season for reflection, which means it's a great time to improve oral hygiene through new resolutions. Greenwood City Lifestyle asked the local team at Sauer Dentistry for the following 10 recommendations:
Floss Regularly
For those increasing their flossing frequency, they'll have fresher breath and could be reducing their risk of gum disease and tooth decay. Instead of setting the goal at daily flossing, start by increasing the regularity by two days; once it becomes a habit, slowly increase.
Reduce Consumption Of Staining Foods
Stained teeth have a big impact on appearance and self-confidence. Some of the worst culprits are sodas, chocolate, coffee, tea, red wine, dark beer and berries. Even a small reduction in this area can make a positive difference in teeth brightness.
Buy An Electric Toothbrush
Electric toothbrushes help clean teeth significantly better than manual toothbrushes. And, brush teeth at least twice a day.
Brush Teeth For Full 2 Minutes
Studies have shown that most Americans really brush for less than 60 seconds. To ensure one is brushing long enough, use a timer or an electric toothbrush with a built-in timer. To add a little fun to the practice, sing a “timing” song, such as The Jeopardy! theme; it’s 30 seconds long so sing it once for each quadrant in the mouth.
Stay Hydrated
In addition to cutting down on hunger and fatigue, staying hydrated also boosts oral hygiene. When one's mouth dries out, there isn’t enough saliva to consistently wash bacteria away from teeth. As a result, dry mouths can increase the risk of cavities and bad breath.
Get Enough Calcium
Calcium is a key nutrient that bodies need for strong bones and teeth. Calcium strengthens teeth roots, ensuring they remain secure in the gums. Consume enough dairy products such as milk, yogurt and cheese.
Stop Smoking
Smoking is one of the most dangerous habits for teeth because it increases the risk of gum disease and tooth loss. It also makes it more difficult to receive dental implants. To avoid going the quitting-smoking route alone, call 1-800-QUIT-NOW (800.784.8669) for free resources and no judgment coaching.
Use Mouthwash
While mouthwash isn’t a substitute for flossing and brushing, it can reduce plaque buildup and prevent gingivitis and gum disease. Plus, rinsing teeth helps remove food particles not caught by brushing. Mouthwashes with fluoride help to remineralize the enamel.
Invest In A Tongue Scraper
Just as bacteria can build up on teeth and create plaque, it also can accumulate between taste buds and other crevices on tongues. Along with dead skin cells and food debris, bacteria become trapped on the tongue and need to be physically removed. While brushing tongues with a toothbrush helps to remove some bacteria, it’s not perceived as the most effective method.
Visit The Dentist Regularly
Another good resolution is to see dentists at least once every six months for examinations and cleanings to remove tartar and plaque, which cause cavities and tooth decay. Routine dental visits increase the likelihood of early detections, making it easier to manage symptoms and reverse dental or gum damage when possible.
Lastly, one bonus tip is that by intentionally reducing sugar intake, it reduces plaque buildup inside the mouth.
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Sauer Dentistry is a state-of-the-art dental facility with advanced technology on-site, including digital impressions, digital X-rays, 3D computed tomography and a CEREC CAD/CAM scanner/milling unit capable of crafting same-day restorations.
Here are top 10 Dental Resolutions; adopt any or all of them!