Happy New Year! Here Are Some Resolutions for a Healthier Smile

A new year is upon us again, and it represents a chance to start fresh, improve ourselves, and kick old bad habits. While going to the gym regularly, quitting smoking, and spending more time with the kids are all excellent New Year’s resolutions, these first few months are a perfect time to get back on track with your oral hygiene. Here are a few New Year’s resolutions that your smile will love.

Resolve to Schedule Your Next Dentist’s Appointment

Regular dental visits are crucial to your oral health, but many people are anxious or just not excited about making these appointments. The American Dental Association recommends having at least two routine dental appointments every year, so why not get your first out of the way early? The holidays can expose your teeth to a lot of sugar and acid, and a dentist can thoroughly clean your teeth while correcting problems in their early stages. This can save you a lot of pain, time, and money in the long run.

Resolve to Take Better Care of Your Teeth

Proper oral hygiene means more than brushing your teeth every day. Your teeth need special care to remain healthy, and too many people habitually blow off crucial parts of a proper dental cleaning routine. An excellent daily oral hygiene regimen includes:

• Brushing your teeth at least twice. It’s best to do this after breakfast and before bed, but always wait at least thirty minutes after eating. Use a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to gently polish your teeth with short, circular strokes. This will eliminate most of the plaque and food debris from your teeth.
• Flossing at least once. Flossing is every bit as important as brushing for your dental health because floss can reach where a toothbrush cannot. Cut off a length of this thread and hold it tight between two fingers. Scrape this section against either side between a pair of teeth and then move on to a clean section before treating the next pair. Repeat until every pair of teeth has been treated.
• Rinsing with antibacterial mouthwash. This stuff will kill more than 99.9% of the germs that cause tooth decay and gum disease on contact while also leaving your breath fresh and minty. Look for the American Dental Association’s Seal of Approval on the bottle.

Don’t let the new year slide by without making a few lifestyle improvements. By taking excellent care of your teeth, you can help them stay healthy and beautiful for many years to come.

About the Author

Dr. Brandon S. Kearbey earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from Loma Linda University in 2006 and was trained in IV conscious sedation at the USC School of Dentistry in 2009. He is proud to serve as a member of the American Dental Association, the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, and the Oregon Dental Association. His office in Hillsboro, OR offers general, pediatric, and restorative dentistry. To schedule a dental appointment for the new year, contact the office online or dial (503) 640-4262.