5 Resolutions for a Healthier Mouth
New Wellness Goals for a New Year.
Ready. Set. WELL!
The new year is a natural time to think about changes we can make to improve our health. As you think about your goals, don’t forget your oral health! Even small changes can have an impact that will last decades!
1. Brush Effectively
Few of us take time to consider whether we’re brushing our teeth effectively. Are you brushing your teeth twice a day for a full two minutes? Setting a timer can be very helpful. Make sure you brush all teeth surfaces, both inside and out, and don’t forget to brush your tongue. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and gentle, circular strokes. This may be a great time to purchase an electric toothbrush, which can produce cleaner teeth and healthy gums.
2. Start Flossing
Seriously, start flossing now. Flossing is as important for a healthy mouth as brushing is. Flossing will help prevent bad breath, gum disease, and tooth decay. Find ways to make flossing easy. Keep a container of floss right next to your toothbrush. Set a reminder on your phone. Consider purchasing floss picks if you find regular floss difficult to manage.
3. Mouth-Friendly Eating + Drinking
Improve your oral health through your diet. Eating foods high in calcium and phosphorus can strengthen your enamel. Try chicken and other meat, cheese, nuts, milk, and legumes. Crunchy fruits and vegetables can help remove plaque and foods high in fiber increase saliva production which will help neutralize acids found in some foods and drinks. Chewing sugar-free gum for 20 minutes after eating can also help reduce tooth decay.
4. Try to Quit Bad Habits
If you’re setting resolutions, you’ve probably already considered the obvious things you should cut out or reduce. Quitting smoking and tobacco products will greatly improve the health of your mouth and your entire body. Look for free online tools or smoking cessation programs to help make quitting easier. Quitting/reducing your consumption of sugar and sugary or acidic drinks will also create a healthier mouth.
5. Visit Your Dental Office Regularly
Take a few minutes today to set up regular dental appointments for you and your family. Your dentist and dental hygienist will give you a thorough cleaning and examination. They will check for oral health issues and can even prevent oral diseases from starting. They can provide education on brushing and flossing and will work with you to develop a plan that helps you meet your dental health goals.
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We serve the entire St. Croix Valley, including St. Croix Falls, Taylors Falls, Osceola, Turtle Lake & Grantsburg areas. Our full service dental clinic can still ensure you have the best dental hygiene possible. New patients are always welcome, so come visit us today to discuss your options. You’ll see for yourself why patient satisfaction is so high. Our friendly staff are more than happy to help!