Welcome the new year with new habits for a healthier smile!

There’s no better opportunity than the beginning of a brand-new year to focus on keeping your smile healthy. Our team at Farless Dental Group has 5 simple tips to help you enjoy a happier, healthier smile all year long.

1. Elevate your brushing routine.

Dentists everywhere recommend you brush your teeth at least twice a day for a minimum of two minutes each time. But are you using the right tools and techniques? First, make sure you are using a soft-bristle toothbrush with a head that fits properly in your mouth for easy maneuvering. 

You should also be using a toothpaste that contains fluoride. Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that helps fortify tooth enamel. If you aren’t quite sure which toothpaste to use, look for the ADA Seal of Acceptance, which means that product passed the American Dental Association safety and efficacy criteria. You can also ask the team at Farless Dental Group to recommend their favorite products.

Once you have the right tools, you’re ready for the job! The easiest way to ensure you are brushing for two minutes at a time is to mentally divide your mouth into fourths and then brushing each area for at least 30 seconds. As you brush, hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle toward your gums and use small, circular or back-and-forth motions, making sure not to miss the backs and sides of the molars.

2. Become a master flosser.

Once you’ve mastered your brushing technique, it’s time to conquer flossing. Daily flossing is important to remove any food particles and plaque that may have accumulated in between your teeth or at the gumline.

First, pick between waxed or unwaxed floss and rip off a piece that is about 18 inches long. Wind the majority of the floss around one of your middle fingers and the rest around the other middle finger. Holding the dental floss tight between your index fingers and thumbs, gently slide it between two teeth. Curve it into a C shape and glide it up and down the side of each tooth, making sure to go slightly under the gums, then gently slide the floss out. Wind the used dental floss down so you have a fresh, clean piece, and repeat the process for the rest of your teeth.

If you find it difficult to use traditional dental floss, there are other options. You might try floss picks, which are small pieces of floss attached to a plastic handle. To use, just slide the dental pick down between your teeth and rub the floss gently up and down each side. Another great option is a water flosser, which uses a stream of pressurized water to clean in between your teeth.

3. Stick to a tooth-friendly diet.

Diet and exercise are important to a healthy lifestyle, so make sure your diet includes enough tooth-friendly foods to help keep your teeth strong. Foods high in calcium, like cheese and other low-fat dairy options are particularly good for strengthening the enamel. 

Likewise, leafy greens like kale and spinach, as well as other crunchy fruits and vegetables (think carrots, celery, and apples) are high in vitamins that support dental health. These crunchy options can also act as nature’s toothbrushes, meaning that their fibrous texture may help sweep away plaque.

4. Kick the smoking habit.

We have all known for years that smoking is bad for your overall health, so why not choose now to kick the bad habit? Besides causing oral cancers and lung cancers, smoking can cause gum disease, bad breath, and dark stains. So the sooner you kick the habit, the sooner you’ll be able to reclaim your smile and get a handle on your health.

If you have trouble quitting cold turkey, ask your doctor for some tips. They may recommend nicotine patches or gum. Some people even find that exercising helps them quit smoking because they’re redirecting their focus toward the new routine.

5. Prioritize your biannual dental checkups.

The fifth way to make sure your smile is happier and healthier all year long is by visiting the team at Farless Dental Group at least twice a year. Regular dental evaluations allow your dentist to check for any underlying issues. This way they can detect any changes to your teeth or gums early. Professional cleanings and evaluations keep your smile happy and healthy, saving you from toothaches and high treatment costs in the long run. 

Farless Dental Group is your partner in oral health.

If you’re ready to turn over a new leaf and elevate your oral health for a healthier and happier you, our team at Farless Dental Group is here to support you in that journey. We are a no-judgment practice and would love nothing more than to help you achieve a healthy smile. Schedule an evaluation with our friendly team today.