New Year, new you! What is your resolution?
January is certainly a month where people are open-minded and positive. Because of the tradition of new year resolutions, people generally feel more motivated to better themselves. As people wish us a happy and healthy new year, we must think how we can accomplish that. A clean bill of health can definitely cause happiness.
How about creating a new oral care routine? We have for you a step-by-step routine for you to start off your healthy new year.
- Brushing
We recommend brushing your teeth at least twice a day. Let the first brushing of the day be in the morning to erase morning breath and any bacteria built up overnight. It’s very important to brush again at night to remove bacteria from the day as well as any built-up food that may be lingering in crevices. Rotting food left in your mouth is just how cavities are born! Some toothbrushes have a ridged back side on the other side of the brushes’ bristles. That is for tongue scrubbing! Also very important for maintaining mouth health.
The toothbrush you use is very important too. It should have soft or extra soft bristles. A medium or hard bristled brush may seem like a good idea for brushing your hard teeth but remember, the gums are very sensitive around your teeth. This brings us to maneuver. Brush your teeth in a soft circular motion. Get all the sides and surfaces of your teeth and brush for a solid two minutes. Be careful to avoid scrubbing your gums. That is how gum recession begins.
We also recommend getting your teeth professionally cleaned twice a year. This type of cleaning can help remove hard deposits on your teeth that daily brushing cannot remove. It also helps prevent gum disease and damage.
- Flossing
Flossing is something most people don’t make enough time for. Adding this to your new year, new you health resolution is huge! It is a vital component of dental hygiene! Flossing can help prevent bacteria and plaque build up on your teeth in the way that brushing can’t always. Remember when we were saying how important it is to brush away food from the day? Flossing allows you to clean food stuck in between your teeth. Not flossing and letting food particles remain there allows food to sit, spoil and create a hole in your tooth. This leaves the tooth vulnerable to an infection that can travel to your gums and into the root of your tooth.
- Mouthwash
Top off your brushing and flossing hygiene routine by rinsing with mouthwash. Gargling with a mouth full of mouthwash or therapeutic rinse gives a final flush of any particles left in your mouth after brushing and flossing. It also kills bacteria. Mouthwash and rinses should always be thought of as an addition and not a replacement for brushing or flossing.
There you have it! A 3-step system for a healthy 2018! Remember to make your 6-month dental appointment as well!
