If you have made a New Year’s resolution to improve your oral health, consider the following tips.
Practice Thorough Oral Hygiene
Your daily oral hygiene routine can help ward off common oral health concerns like tooth decay and gum disease. Our practice and the American Dental Association (ADA) recommend that people brush their teeth twice a day for two minutes each time. Daily flossing is also encouraged since a toothbrush can only clean about 70% of the mouth’s surfaces.
When brushing, be sure to move your brush in soft, circular motions to scrub away debris and plaque. You should also brush your gums, the roof of your mouth, and your tongue in addition to all the surfaces of your teeth. Take your time when flossing to avoid irritating your gums. It’s important to use a clean section of floss between teeth.
Oral hygiene products should have the ADA seal of acceptance. If you need help with product recommendations, call our practice to speak with a member of our team.
Eat Healthy Foods Low in Sugar and Acid
What we eat affects our oral health. Diets high in sugar and acid contribute to enamel erosion, tooth decay, and gum disease. A healthy diet can help keep teeth and your immune system strong. We recommend eating nutrient-rich foods like leafy greens, vibrant-colored vegetables, and lean proteins such as chicken breast, tofu, or salmon.
Receive Regular Checkups and Cleanings
Routine checkups can reveal oral health concerns before they advance into destructive conditions. The diagnostics used in a dental checkup can detect issues before they’re noticeable to the naked eye. Moreover, checkups remove substances such as tartar that can’t be addressed with oral hygiene practices at home. Controlling tartar accumulation is important for preventing gum disease.
If it’s time for a checkup or cleaning, call DeSanti & Linden Dentistry to reserve an appointment.