We at Cedar View Dental in Lynnwood really hope that your entire family is enjoying a wonderful holiday season. As we draw close to the end of the year and prepare to usher in, hopefully, a much better year, many think of resolutions that center on wellness and improving quality of life. Adding a few resolutions that are good for your oral health should also be considered. Consider making this year the year for a healthy smile. Here’s how.
5 New Year’s Resolutions for a Healthy Smile
1. Brush for a full two minutes.
According to studies, brushing for the full two minutes can significantly improve your oral health. Plaque produces acid, which eats away at the hard, outer layer of your teeth enamel. Additionally, they can harm your gums and lead to gingivitis.
A 2012 study of 59 articles in the International Journal of Dental Hygiene found that brushing for one minute on average eliminated around 27 percent of plaque, whereas brushing for two minutes removed about 41 percent of plaque on their teeth. For a healthy smile, brush away that plaque!
2. Brush at least twice every day.
You should brush your teeth for two minutes at least twice a day and research has shown us why.
According to a 2016 review of 33 publications in the Journal of Dental Research, brushing less frequently than twice daily was linked to higher tooth decay.
3. Reduce liquid sugars in beverages like pop and juice.
Your oral health is significantly impacted by what you consume. You are actually immersing your teeth in the liquid you are drinking when you do so. Many beverages can harm your tooth health as well. Fruit juice is generally very acidic and has a lot of sugar. The acid can seriously destroy your tooth enamel while the sugar encourages the development of bacteria in your mouth, increasing your risk of tooth decay. For a healthy smile, consider reducing drinks like sodas and juices.
4. Straighten your teeth.
Orthodontic treatment is typically synonymous with adolescents, but more and more adults are also making the excellent decision to straighten their teeth. One important factor is that misaligned teeth give harmful bacteria more places to hide. If your teeth are crooked you may find it challenging to brush and floss. Plaque and tartar development are more likely to occur if you don’t brush and floss properly. This can eventually lead to deterioration and can contribute to cavities and gum disease. Without treatment, gum disease and tooth decay can both develop into very significant problems.
When your smile makes you proud, you become more confident in other areas of your life. Consider Invisalign clear braces for a straighter, healthier smile.
5. Use floss or other dental care tools like floss threaders and soft picks.
The gum line between your teeth is one region your toothbrush can’t reach even when you brush twice a day for two minutes. In addition to preventing cavities and gum disease, flossing and making sure that you remove material (such as food and plaque) from between your teeth will also help you get rid of bad breath.
Develop a Healthy Smile Routine!
When you establish a routine for something (like getting dressed and having breakfast), it becomes easy and requires little to no thought. A healthy mouth is a great defense against other medical problems because the majority of tooth decay is preventable. It’s never too late to start taking better care of yourself, and maintaining good oral hygiene has several advantages.
So, in Lynnwood, WA at Cedar View Dental, we’re lifting a glass to you all as we toast the new year! Let’s toast to a year filled with joy, prosperity, and lots of happy, healthy smiles!