A smile is often the first thing we notice about someone. It often sways our first impression and contributes to an organic feeling toward them. Some people say the eyes are the window to the soul, but we disagree. We believe it’s a smile that contributes the most to someone’s charm and gives others a sense of their personality. A beautiful smile can start you off on the right foot.
A new year always gives us such an excellent opportunity to rejuvenate, start fresh, and make new resolutions. Not sure what to work toward this year? How about setting a resolution to have overall better oral health? That smile is your money maker, and you don’t want to neglect it. After all, you want people to feel smitten when they see those pearly whites.
Having good oral habits is simple, easy, and well worth it. Here are five simple habits that will contribute to a healthier smile.
Hopefully, this one seems obvious to you. Brushing and flossing every day is the best way to combat gum disease and tooth decay. We recommend brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing at least once a day. Flossing is the only way to remove pesky plaque between the teeth and below the gum line.
When flossing, hold the floss with your thumbs and index fingers, place it in between two teeth, hug the tooth with your floss and glide the floss up and down, making sure to rub it against both sides of each tooth. Repeat this step for every single tooth. It doesn’t take more than five minutes at the very most, and it will make an exponential difference in your oral health. If your flossing journey is just beginning, your gums may bleed. Bleeding gums are not happy gums, but it’s never too late to form good habits.
Taking the pledge to quit smoking and using tobacco will improve your health in so many ways, including your oral health. Did you know that smokers are twice as likely to lose their teeth than non-smokers? Smoke and tobacco are enemies to your teeth. They can cause tooth discoloration, cavities, receding gums, gum disease, and oral cancer.
It’s never too late to stop smoking and using tobacco. It will decrease your risk of losing your teeth, forming gum disease, and getting oral cancer which can be very serious. You owe it to yourself to kick this habit to the curb and make a resolution this year to quit the use of smoking and tobacco. Your teeth will thank you!
An apple a day keeps the dentist away. Did you know that apples, carrots, and celery act as plaque fighters and help maintain fresh breath? An overall healthy diet filled with fruits, vegetables, legumes, and nuts will positively impact your teeth. Poor eating habits can do the opposite, causing plaque and cavities. We are not saying you’re never allowed to eat a Snickers bar again. A good motto is “everything in moderation,” but try to increase your intake of healthy foods. Your gut, mind, and teeth will be better off this year if you make small changes to have a more nutritious diet.
Sorry to be a buzzkill, but excessive alcohol is also terrible for your teeth. Alcoholic beverages have high sugar content and are highly acidic, which tends to break down the enamel that protects your teeth. When the protective enamel is damaged, tooth decay, cavities, and periodontal diseases are often around the corner. If you consume alcohol, make sure you remember to brush and floss your teeth well.
Visiting a dentist visit twice a year for routine cleanings and mouth exams is recommended for optimal tooth health. Even if you brush and floss every day, you still need those professional cleanings every six months to get a deeper clean and to tackle any cavities or other dental problems that may be present without you being aware. Catching dental issues in the beginning stages is the key to saving money, dodging discomfort, and resolving issues before they become too severe.
Some people have difficulty making New Year’s resolutions because they are often hard to keep, but maintaining good oral health habits is easy and essential. Most positive dental practices will positively impact your health in general. Studies show that those who floss every day live longer. If your New Year’s resolution is to straighten your teeth, then contact us for an Invisalign consultation. Or perhaps you want to start the new year off with a teeth whitening kit. We’ve got your back when it comes to obtaining a beautiful smile. As you work on a new you in this new year, make it a priority to have a healthier smile from the inside out.
