Are you ready to get the smile of your dreams in 2022? If an elevated state of oral health is your New Year’s resolution, you’re in the right place. Read on to discover these tips from The Tooth Inc. for kicking off the new year with a healthier smile.
Brush Your Teeth
This may seem like a no-brainer, but you would be surprised by how many people often forget to brush their teeth. Or, if they do remember, they don’t brush for enough time and therefore don’t reap the benefits of a proper oral hygiene routine. To keep your smile clean and healthy, the American Dental Association recommends brushing your teeth twice a day for about two minutes each time. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a toothpaste that contains fluoride, which strengthens tooth enamel. This compound is also proven to prevent the development of bacteria and the formation of cavities, as well as reverse decay in its early stages.
Remember to Floss
It may seem tempting to head straight to bed after you brush your teeth, but a routine flossing session does wonders for your oral health. Floss gets into the places that even the best toothbrush can’t reach and prevents bacteria from hardening into plaque and tartar—especially along the gum line. The excessive accumulation of plaque along the gums can lead to periodontal, or gum, disease, which has been linked to a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, and even Alzheimer’s disease. You don’t have to floss every time you brush your teeth; once a day should do the trick. If desired, you can floss after every meal or snack.
Visit Your Dentist Regularly
Attending professional teeth cleanings and oral exams once every six months is essential for your oral health. While your dental hygiene routine can stave off some plaque, only a professional teeth cleaning can remove the months’ worth of tartar that builds up in the time between your appointments. At your cleaning, your dentist can also screen for conditions like oral cancer, gum disease, and tooth decay. They may also take dental x-rays to inspect the integrity of your bone structure. Catching abnormalities in their early stages is paramount to successful treatment and may help you avoid a tooth extraction.
Consume Sugar in Moderation
Sugar isn’t just detrimental to your waistline. In excessive quantities, it can also lead to tooth decay. Why? The bacteria in your mouth that causes decay feed on sugar. Combine sugar with insufficient oral hygiene, and you have a recipe for tooth decay and infection. This isn’t to say you can’t have sugary foods or drinks; rather, try to consume them in moderation and clean your teeth after enjoying a can of soda or a slice of cake. Your smile (and your waistline) will thank you.
Get Enough Vitamins and Minerals
In addition to limiting sugar, you may also consider adding more nutrients to your diet. Your teeth require certain vitamins and minerals to stay healthy, and many people do not get the appropriate amount of nutrition from their diets. Minerals like calcium and magnesium promote bone density and the generation of hard tooth enamel, while phosphorus allows your body to efficiently break down calcium particles. Foods like dairy products, leafy greens, legumes, and eggs can add a boost of nutrition to your everyday meals. If your diet doesn’t provide enough of these minerals, try adding a vitamin supplement that can give you the nutrients your smile needs to stay healthy. Your primary care physician can let you know which minerals or vitamins your body may be missing.
Drink Water
Staying hydrated provides a host of benefits, including keeping your smile free of bacteria. In addition to better skin, improved organ function, and enhanced joint lubrication, staying hydrated will help your mouth produce enough saliva to regularly wash out any germs or bacteria. Dehydration can also make you tired or fatigued, and therefore less likely to feel motivated to brush and floss before you fall asleep at night.
Start the new year off right by visiting your dentist at The Tooth Inc. in Nogales, Mexico. For more information on our variety of oral health services or to schedule an appointment, simply contact our office or send us a message here. Residents of Mexico can call us at (631) 158-3845, while U.S. residents can reach us at (520) 257-5398.
