Your Oral Health Affects Your Overall Health.
Top 5 Dental Resolutions in 2022
Make the following resolutions to reduce your risk for decay and gum disease.
1. Brush And Floss Daily
Brush your teeth twice daily for two minutes each time with an ADA-approved soft bristled toothbrush and fluoridated toothpaste.
Floss at least once a day to help remove plaque from hard-to-reach areas in your mouth.
Use a tongue cleaner to ensure your tongue is also bacteria-free.
Consider upgrading to an electric toothbrush as it can help clean your teeth significantly better than a manual toothbrush and help you stick to brushing for two minutes at a time.
The ADA recommends the Oral-B Oscillating-Rotating-Pulsating Power Toothbrush line.
According to the American Dental Association (ADA), you should replace your toothbrush or replacement heads approximately every 3-4 months or sooner if you have been sick or the bristles are frayed.
Optionally, you can also use an antimicrobial and fluoride mouth rinse daily.
2. Quit Tobacco
Tobacco can increase your risk for tooth discoloration, cavities, gum recession, gum disease and throat, lung and oral cancer.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), smokers are about twice as likely to lose their teeth than non-smokers.
Chewing tobacco significantly increases your risk of developing gum disease, mouth cancer, and throat cancer.
3. Switch To A Healthier Diet
Eat lots of fruits, vegetables, legumes, seeds, and nuts as they help fight bacteria, inflammation, bad breath, and clean plaque.
Limit your consumption of sugary, acidic foods and beverages such pure lemon juice and carbonated drinks as they damage your enamel.
Limit your consumption of staining foods and beverages such as coffee, tea, chocolate, coke, red wine, dark beer, and berries.
Rinsing with water after sugary, acidic foods and using a straw for cold staining beverages can help minimize the negative effects.
4. Stay Hydrated To Prevent A Dry Mouth
A dry mouth can increase your risk of cavities.
Choose water instead of soda to stay hydrated.
Chewing gum helps to stimulate the flow of saliva in your mouth.
The ADA has referenced studies that prove that chewing sugar-free gum for 20 minutes after meals can actually help prevent tooth decay.
5. Visit Your Dentist Regularly
The start of the new year is a great time to catch up on overdue dental treatments to fix an improper, damaged tooth or cavity.
Choose from a range of cosmetic procedures to enhance your smile such as teeth whitening, dental implants. veneers and bridges.
Visit your dentist twice a year for cleanings and a checkup.
There’s no time like NOW to get started on your resolutions.
Please call 650.382.3068 to schedule an appointment at Cambridge Dental Studio.