Dental tips provided by Burnaby Dentists at North Burnaby Dental Group.
This time of year usually sees us all make one or more resolutions that we don’t manage to keep even to the end of January. This year, why not set a resolution that is easy, attainable, and will contribute to your overall health? Why not resolve to focus just a little bit more on your oral health?
By spending just a few minutes each day on oral hygiene you’ll find that you both look and feel better. Below are some dental resolutions that you can implement with very little effort, but with a potentially big payoff.
Brush 2 minutes twice a day — If you increase the frequency with which you brush as well as the length of time you spend at it, your mouth will benefit. While most people think they brush for a minute or two, in reality most adults spend only 30 seconds or so brushing. Taking a little more time will allow you to more thoroughly clean all of the surfaces in your mouth, eliminating more plaque and bacteria and contributing to a healthier smile.
Floss every day — If flossing isn’t already a part of your daily routine, you might be surprised to know that up to 40 per cent of your teeth surfaces aren’t getting clean! Not only that, but it is in these areas, where only floss can reach, that bacteria lurks and cavities are most likely to form.
Clean your tongue — By using a tongue scraper or even just a damp cloth, you can rid your tongue of unwanted bacteria and buildup. This goes a long way toward fresher breath, and it also decreases the prevalence within your mouth of the bacteria that cause plaque and gingivitis. Tongue cleaning then, can help to prevent tooth decay and other serious oral complications. Your taste will also be improved, as having a clean tongue surface allows the taste buds to function optimally. Having taste buds that are not clogged with film will allow you to enjoy the flavour your food more, and this goes a long way toward keeping you satiated.
Drink more water — By having even just a few sips of water after your morning coffee or your evening glass of wine, you will reduce the formation of teeth stains and keep a whiter smile. If you are out and about and unable to brush, finishing a meal with a few sips of water will also help to flush unwanted food particles out of your mouth and may improve your breath.
See your dentist regularly — By seeing your dentist regularly you will stay on top of what’s happening in your mouth, preventing problems before they begin and addressing any issues before they develop into a big problem and possibly a big expense. Why not book your biannual appointment now?
By resolving to implement one or all of the above suggestions you’ll be giving yourself reason to smile, not just in the year to come, but for a long time.
Additional articles are available from Burnaby Dentists at North Burnaby Dental Group.
