6 New Year’s Resolutions to Boost Dental Health

There will be many New Year’s resolutions discussed over the next few weeks. Most of us will think about lifestyle changes to improve our health. Maybe you want to exercise more, travel, or pursue new hobbies. One resolution that can make a big difference in your life is to commit to improving your dental health.

Tips For A Healthy Smile

Do you feel that your dental care routine is not up to par? When we’re busy, it’s easy for us to neglect our smile’s health. At a time when we are focusing on our overall wellness, why not set a new goal to improve our oral health a little at a time? These are some simple dental hygiene tips that you can resolve to try every day:

1. Increase Flossing. To get rid of bacteria around your teeth, you must clean between each of them. But a toothbrush is not the best tool for this task. Only flossing can really clean those spaces. Unfortunately, flossing is one of the most difficult things to do. If it’s challenging or painful, a water flosser is a great alternative. This device flushes out hard-to-reach areas with a constant stream of water.

Think of it this way. Brushing only cleans three surfaces of your teeth. Flossing cleans the other two. Unless you’re flossing, that’s almost 40% of your smile that isn’t getting clean!

2. Drink Lots of Water. Water is good for your dental health! It’s also good for your teeth because it removes acids and lowers bacterial levels. Fluoride can also be found in tap water, which helps strengthen tooth enamel and lower your risk of tooth decay. A refillable water bottle is a great way to reduce waste and save money at the same time.

Water is also great to sip on throughout the day if you have a dry mouth or are between toothbrushing sessions.

3. Stop Chewing on Things. Your fingernails, pencil, or whatever it is your bite on when you’re sitting at your desk…they were not meant for you to chew on them. This repetitive bad habit can lead to teeth at the front of your mouth starting to wear down irregularly.

4. Chew Xylitol Gum. Xylitol is an artificial sweetener that repels plaque buildup and prevents it from accumulating on tooth surfaces. It is only found in certain sugar-free gums. If you are given the choice, choose one that has “xylitol” on the label. Just don’t swallow it, as xylitol can cause an upset stomach if too much is ingested (and keep it out of the reach of any dogs in your home.)

5. Visit Torrey Hills Dental Regularly. Although many people think that visiting a dentist in Carmel Valley is not necessary unless they have a toothache or are in pain, regular dental check-ups can help prevent most problems before they start.

Have your teeth professionally cleaned about once every six months. Our hygienists have special tools to remove plaque and tartar that your toothbrush or floss leaves behind. This helps to reduce the chance of developing decay and gum disease, reducing the extent of treatment you need in the future. And if you do have any areas of concern, we’ll intercept them when they’re smaller and more affordable to treat.

• Invest in an Electric Toothbrush. A high-quality electric toothbrush can remove significantly more plaque buildup than a manual toothbrush does. Simply aim it in the right direction and hold it there for several seconds. You’ll be getting hundreds to thousands of more brush strokes from an electric brush than you do a manual one.

Our San Diego dentists recommend using an ADA-approved, anticavity fluoridated toothpaste when brushing your teeth. Fluoride can reduce tooth sensitivity and help to lower the risk of developing cavities.

Schedule Your Next Checkup

It’s never too late to get your smile’s oral health back on track. If you’re committed to having healthier and more attractive-looking teeth, we’re always available to lend a hand. We’ll also do our best to help you keep your resolutions. Call now to make your first appointment!