5 New Year’s Resolutions to Improve Your Oral/Dental Health

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    • Making New Year’s resolutions is something that has been going on for centuries. Making new goals at the beginning of each year is just something that makes sense. It is all about beginning the new year with a clean slate.

    Many people focus on making healthy choices for their physical health. Unfortunately, most people forget to include their oral health in the list. Following are five New Year’s resolutions to improve your oral or dental health.

    ·         Brush and Floss Every Day

    Brushing and flossing your teeth will produce immediate positive results. Improving your dental health begins with a good oral hygiene routine and sticking to it. Most people do not have a problem brushing their teeth, but flossing tends to be more challenging.

    The experience may be uncomfortable when you start doing it, but the long-term results are worth it. You will enjoy healthier teeth and gums and fresher breath.

    ·         Your Toothbrushing Technique

    It is not enough to brush your teeth only; you need to do it correctly. As part of your New Year’s resolution, make it a point to brush your teeth correctly. Brush for at least two minutes, two times a day after meals.

    Brush systematically to ensure that you get to all the teeth and every part of the mouth. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and brush gently, holding the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle. Avoid large circular motions when brushing and instead use smaller back and forth strokes. Make sure that you replace your toothbrush every few months.

    ·         Regular Dental Appointments

    It is vital to schedule regular dental checkups to improve your oral health. Visiting the dentist regularly for checkups and professional cleaning will help prevent tooth decay and cavities.

    You can avoid oral health concerns and benefit from preventive dentistry. Your dentist will be able to detect or diagnose dental conditions early. Early diagnosis is necessary for the effective treatment of most oral problems.

    ·         Get Restorative Treatments

    Part of your new year’s resolution should be to get restorative treatment. Do not put off any oral health issues when they begin. Putting off treatment will only make the condition worse. Treating oral issues in the early stages will not only be easier, but it is also more cost-effective.

    The sooner you repair damage after cavity treatment, the better. Repairing chipped teeth and other issues will help prevent further tooth damage that can lead to tooth loss. If you have misaligned teeth, teeth straightening treatment will help improve your smile.

    ·         Protecting Your Teeth

    Preventive maintenance of your teeth will help protect your smile. To protect your teeth, you can wear mouthguards when playing contact sports. You should also wear a protective night guard to prevent clenching and teeth grinding.

    Avoid using your teeth to open bottles and packages or to crack nuts. Avoid chewing on hard objects like ice and fingernails and quit the harmful tobacco habit. Remember, eating healthy and drinking plenty of water every day is good for your oral health. Once something becomes a routine, it becomes easy to maintain.

    To improve your oral/dental health, visit Courthouse Art of Dentistry at our office in Arlington, Virginia. You can call 703-783-9417 today to schedule an appointment.