28 Dec 2021 New Year’s Resolutions: Take Better Care of Your Teeth

When it comes to creating a dental wellness plan for 2021, the best thing to do is brush up on basic hygiene. Taking care of your teeth and gums is a simple and easy task. Unfortunately, many people don’t practice the basics, which can lead to much more complicated and expensive dental procedures later on. 

Taking better care of your teeth is simple. Focus on the basics of brushing, flossing, and visiting your dentist regularly. You can also improve your brushing experience by buying a new toothbrush with soft bristles and the ADA Seal of Approval. Combine your 2021 wellness goals by eating a healthy diet that supports your dental and overall health.

Hiawassee Family Dental’s tips for taking better care of your teeth in 2021 will help you:

• Focus on your oral hygiene routine
• Upgrade your toothbrush
• Eat for nutrition and dental health

Focus on Your Oral Hygiene Routine

Do you brush your teeth twice a day? Do you floss regularly? Are you visiting your dentist like you should? If you said no to any of these then it may be time to brush up on the basics.

Brush Your Teeth

No single form of dental hygiene is more important than the other. With that said, brushing your teeth should be at the top of your list. Brushing is essential for getting rid of food and plaque, which is a filmy white substance that sticks to your teeth. This helps prevent problems such as tooth decay and gum disease from developing.

When brushing your teeth, make sure to:

• Brush for two full minutes
• Brush twice per day
• Use gentle strokes
• Brush the inner, outer, and chewing surfaces  

Floss Between Your Teeth

If you’re not flossing then you’re missing a key aspect of maintaining your dental wellness. Brushing will help remove plaque from the surfaces of your teeth, but you’ll need to floss in order to get food and bacteria from between them. And no, mouthwash is not a substitute for flossing. Flossing is most effective after you’ve eaten. 

To use string floss:

1. Select a section of floss the length of your hand to your elbow
2. Wrap each end around your middle finger
3. Hold a section of floss firmly between your index finger and thumb
4. Gently slide the floss between your teeth
5. Holding tightly to one side, slide the floss up and down

Visit Your Dentist on a Regular Basis

It’s estimated that around 100 million Americans skip the dentist every year. This is unfortunate since dental visits are essential for oral health. Symptoms of oral diseases, as well as other illnesses, manifest in the mouth. Visiting your dentist every six months will help catch these problems and protect your oral health as well as your overall health.

Along with cleanings and checkups, our dentists can help with:

• Gums that bleed when you brush or floss
• Teeth sensitivity
• Mouth, neck, or facial pain
• Problems swallowing or chewing
• Bad breath

Upgrade Your Toothbrush

Sometimes all it takes to get a brighter smile is a better brush! But with so many to choose from, it’s hard to know which choice is best. Choosing a toothbrush doesn’t have to be a stressful experience. Just follow these 4 tips to find the perfect brush to get the job done well.

Choose a toothbrush with:

1. A brush head that’s one inch tall and half an inch wide
2. Soft bristles made of nylon
3. Rounded bristles
4. The ADA Seal of Approval

Some people wonder if it’s better to get an electric or manual toothbrush. The truth is that both will do a fantastic job cleaning your teeth if you follow our four tips. If you choose an electric toothbrush, talk to your dentist or hygienist about proper techniques to get the most bang for your buck.

Eat for Nutrition and Dental Health

One of the great things about focusing on dental health is that it dovetails perfectly with other aspects of your overall health and wellness. Take nutrition, for instance. Eating better is essential for losing and maintaining a healthy body weight, as well as providing the fuel you need for exercise. As an added bonus, eating a balanced, well-rounded diet also supports dental health! 

Everyone’s dietary needs are different, so consult your doctor on what’s best for you. However, supporting your teeth through nutrition only follows a few basic rules. All you need to do is get plenty of:

• Calcium
• Protein
• Fruits and vegetables
• Water

Calcium

Calcium is essential for stronger teeth and bones. Make sure to get a few servings of dairy products such as cheese, yogurt, or milk daily. This mineral can also be found in almonds and leafy green vegetables.

Protein

Protein is an important macronutrient commonly found in animal products. You can find it in common foods such as meat, fish, eggs, and poultry. You can also find calcium-fortified tofu if you follow a vegetarian or vegan diet.

Fruits and Vegetables

Fruits and vegetables are full of vitamins and minerals that help keep your teeth strong and healthy. Some people worry about the sugar content in fruit, but it’s not that big of a deal if you’re not eating a lot of other foods with added sugar. The fiber content in fruit more than makes up for the sugar it contains.

Water

Water is as important for dental health as it is for your overall health. Water washes away starches and sugars that eventually turn into plaque. It also helps prevent dry mouth.

Including oral health in your 2021 dental wellness plans is as easy as brushing up on basic oral hygiene. To boost those benefits, upgrade to a better toothbrush and eat a well-balanced diet that supports both dental and overall health.

Start your new year by making your dental health a priority. Contact us today to schedule a cleaning!

Hiawassee Family Dental is open 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday through Thursday to help with all your dental needs. Call us today at (706) 896-1204 or you can schedule your appointment online.