New Year, New Healthy Mouth Resolutions!
January 2019 is here and with that brings about the time to start fresh! We often think of health as the first place to start with our new year resolutions, so what a great time to add a new habit into your current dental routine! There are so many things you can add or switch up about your routine that can both improve your oral health and your full body health.
Decreasing your risk of cavities or decay, bleeding gums and poor plaque control can not only improve your oral health - but it can also reduce the amount of inflammation in your whole body! When your gums bleed it is usually due to gingivitis or periodontitis which is an inflammatory response to the toxins being produced from plaque not being fully removed from the teeth. Adding in a few small things to your daily routine can decrease these toxins and help keep your body healthy in 2019!
So what new habit will you add to your routine this month and into 2019?
~ Brushing ~
Hopefully by now you have learned that you are supposed to brush every day, twice a day. More importantly, make sure you are brushing for at least 2 minutes. This may seem like a long time at first but try doing it at least once a day to start getting used to it. Be sure to take this time to slow down and make sure to be hitting all surfaces of your teeth.
If you are currently using a manual brush, try switching over to an electric brush. I always suggest electric brushes for my patients to get them to have the best oral health they can. Electric brushes have extra movements allowing it to massage your gums while you brush and remove plaque more easily and efficiently. Our GOBY brushes that we carry in office even have a two-minute timer on them so you don’t ever have to worry about timing it yourself!
~ Cleaning Between Your Teeth ~
Many of my patients state that they don't floss as much as they think they should... so if this is you, listen up! Make your 2019 the year of clean-in-between! Adding interproximal cleaning 2-3x days weekly is always a good way to get things going and start your new habit! I always suggest picking one day like a Monday to start and stick with it every Monday to get in the routine!
There are so many other products out there that help to clean those tight spots between your teeth. There is regular string floss, floss picks, super floss, soft picks, water piks, air flossers - the list is endless. So, if you are bored or fed up with that regular string floss, try something new!
Ask our hygienists next time you are in what they would suggest works best for you and your routine!
~ Oral Rinses ~
Adding in oral rinses or mouthwash to your routine can help freshen breathe and fight cavities. If you are prone to decay or cavities, be sure to pick a mouth wash with fluoride in it so that it can help fight bacteria long after you are done rinsing. I also always suggest alcohol free so that it is isn't as drying on your tissues!
~ Tongue Cleaning ~
One of my personal favorites in my own routine is use of a tongue scraper. Bacteria also builds up on the tongue and can cause bad breath even after brushing and flossing. Incorporating in use of a tongue scraper or using your toothbrush to brush away plaque can decrease the number of bacteria in the mouth and even freshen up your breath!
~ Regular Dental Hygiene Visits ~
Life moves fast, and things happen. If you find that you have lost track of your yearly dental hygiene exams and cleanings, consider making it a priority in 2019. If you haven’t been in to see a hygienist in a while, we suggest booking yourself a new patient exam and cleaning and getting your oral health back on tract! Regular cleanings help reduce inflammation and allows the hygienist to help customize your home care and check in on things, helping you get into better overall health.
Which one will you start to make 2019 your healthiest year yet?!