If you are looking for a great New Year’s Resolution, consider a commitment to optimizing your oral health routine. Maybe you brush twice a day. Maybe you floss. Maybe you visit our office for routine cleanings, but there is always room for improvement. Here are some easy ways to begin improving your oral health that can have a profound impact on the look, feel, and strength of your smile.
Brush More Frequently
Brushing twice a day is acceptable, but not optimal. Consider instead brushing your teeth after every meal and snack. It is typically a good idea to allow 30 minutes to pass between consuming food or drink and brushing your teeth. This gives enamel that may have been softened time to harden back up before the teeth are brushed.
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and appropriate toothpaste to brush. Some patients benefit from abrasive ingredients like charcoal and baking soda. Others should avoid them. We can help you choose the best toothpaste for your smile during your routine visits.
A quick note on flossing: Flossing before you brush your teeth helps to remove more plaque, bacteria, and food particulate. Consider flossing before your first and last brush of the day to help guard against tooth decay, root canal infection, and gum disease.
Systemic Consequences
Your oral and systemic health are linked. Poor oral health, particularly advanced gum disease, has been linked to a host of serious and potentially deadly conditions including:
- Heart attack and stroke
- Kidney and liver failure
- Certain types of cancer
- Type 2 diabetes
- Dementia and Alzheimer’s
Taking proper care of your teeth and gums can help to reduce your risks for these and other serious health concerns. It will also help prevent tooth loss, chronic halitosis, and other issues linked to poor oral health.
Don’t Forget Professional Care
Your at-home routine is important. So too are biannual visits to our office for thorough cleanings and professional examinations. These visits allow us to detect small problems before they become serious issues, while also giving us the opportunity to answer your questions and help you optimize your daily routine to achieve a stronger and more attractive smile.
Please call The Smile Centre at 941-351-4468 to schedule your next visit.