As the new year takes off, you feel compelled to grab your oral health by the reigns and make some big improvements. But how should you go about this? Your dentist in Houston says you can get started by taking some simple steps. Here are 5 oral health tips to jumpstart your year!
Tip #1 – Commit to Brushing Your Teeth Before Bed
Most people are consistent with brushing their teeth in the morning, but they may slack a bit in doing so before retiring for bed. An easy improvement that can be made in the new year is to commit to brushing at least two times a day.
This will help to reduce the bacteria growth in the mouth, which will aid in preventing tooth decay and the development of gum disease.
Tip #2 – Don’t Forget to Floss
Not only is brushing your teeth vital to your oral health, but so is flossing at least once daily. The pliable material used allows you to get into the hard-to-reach places, and it serves as a key way to prevent the formation of plaque at the gum level.
Tip #3 – Limit Your Sugar Intake
With an understanding that bacteria are major contributors to poor oral health, you want to limit their growth. One way to go about that is to cutback on your sugar intake. That’s because it’s the primary food that bacteria feed on.
A strategy that will help out is to substitute fruits and sugar-free desserts for the traditional candies and sweets that are loaded with sugar.
Tip #4 – Stop any Tobacco Usage
Whether smoked or chewed, tobacco usage is detrimental to your oral health. One reason is that the products are full of toxins and carcinogens that can leave the mouth dry and more susceptible to the development of gum disease.
Another condition that can emerge as the result of tobacco usage is oral cancer, which can be life-threatening. The good news, though, is that people who manage to stop using tobacco products are typically able to see remarkable improvements in their oral health.
Tip #5 – Maintain Regular Visits with Your Dentist
If you’ve been slacking on visiting your dentist to receive preventive care, then this is a perfect time to start a new trend. Receiving a professional cleaning and examination every six months will help to prevent the more complex dental health issues, and it will allow you to maintain a state of oral wellness for years to come!
About the Author
Dr. Cher Rich is a graduate of the University of Texas at Houston Dental School. She has combined her vast knowledge and constant drive to learn more to provide patients with the absolute best in dental care for more than a decade. Dr. Rich helps patients experience excellent oral health at her private practice, and she can be reached for more information through her website.