Schedule Regular Dental Exams And Cleanings
Routine dental exams and cleanings should be at the top of your New Year’s resolutions list. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends at least two dental visits per year for a routine checkup. Staying up to date with your dental exams is the best way to maintain your oral health and identify any potential dental concerns before they become a problem.
Visit our website or call our Manasquan dental office to schedule your routine dental exams and cleanings. And if you’ve been putting off visiting a dentist, Dr. Barba and her team are ready to make your visit to the dentist as serene and effortless as possible.
Brush Twice A Day
To keep brushing simple, follow the 2/2 rule. Always brush your teeth for at least 2 minutes twice a day. Two minutes may not seem like a long time but studies show many Americans struggle to brush longer than one minute! If you fall into this category, consider investing in an electric toothbrush with a built in timer. Or if you’re more creative, try humming your favorite song or setting the timer on your phone.
While holding your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle, gently brush with a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid damaging your enamel. Also, be sure to choose a toothpaste that contains fluoride to help keep your teeth healthy. And don’t forget to floss!
Avoid Soda And Other Sugary Drinks
Your diet is essential when it comes to keeping your total dental health in top shape. Cutting out sugary drinks is an easy way to improve your oral health. Small bacteria live on and around our teeth and when this bacteria is exposed to the sugar in beverages, it creates an acidic environment that damages tooth enamel. This can eventually lead to cavities and tooth decay.
A popular New Year’s resolution is to cut out soda, and that’s a great place to start. However, don’t forget there are many other beverages that contain sugar, such as sports drinks, alcoholic beverages, and even coffee.
Drink More Water To Avoid A Dry Mouth
Your mouth has a built-in defense mechanism against acid – it’s your spit! It’s true, saliva has a vital function in maintaining the health of your mouth, teeth, and gums. Saliva is 99% water and washes away leftover particles of food and neutralizes our oral pH level (also known as acidity). This is the first line against tooth decay. This is why it’s so important to avoid a dry mouth by sipping water throughout the day. And if you experience a dry mouth at night, keep a glass of water on your nightstand.
As an added bonus to drinking more water, your local tap water most likely contains fluoride, which is a naturally occurring mineral that helps strengthen teeth. So the next time you reach for a sip, choose a tall glass of water over those sugary alternatives.
Quit Smoking Or Other Tobacco Products
The first negative health effect we usually think of in connection to smoking is lung cancer, but it actually harms every system in the body, and oral health is no exception. Aside from tooth discoloration and gum disease, cigarette smoking or any kind of tobacco use is a serious risk factor for many other oral health problems.
Quitting something as addictive as a smoking habit is difficult, but there are so many allies and resources available to help, including family, friends, counselors, and even the professionals at your local dental health center. During your next visit, Dr. Barba can check for early symptoms of oral health problems and help you work to keep your mouth healthy!
We love to see our patients smile and we hope these five New Year’s resolutions help you smile your way through 2023. From all of us here at Valerie Barba, DDS, FAGD, we wish you a New Year filled with happiness, success, and Healthy Smiles!