The new year is a great time to reflect and assess your current habits to determine any changes you'd like to make moving forward. As your trusted North York dentist, we would love to offer some suggestions if you decide oral health is a focus for improvement this year.
Here are some helpful ideas for changes and improvements to your home care routine and dental health.
#1 Quit Smoking or Tobacco Use
This one benefits your general and dental health!
Smoking cigarettes increases your risk of developing problems like gum disease and weakens your immune system, not to mention that it also stains and discolours your teeth.
#2 Consistent Preventive Dental Visits
If you're not doing it already, make it your goal to visit your dentist every six months this year for preventive teeth cleanings and checkups. These visits protect your dental health and wallet because we can spot potential problems before they become more invasive and costly.
#3 Update Your Home Care Routine
Are you brushing and flossing with the proper techniques? Are you using an electric toothbrush? Have you added an antibacterial mouth rinse to your home care routine?
All these actions can help you successfully remove the plaque and bacteria buildup that causes common problems like tooth decay and gum disease.
#4 Be Mindful about Snacking
If you feel hungry in the afternoon, reach for fruits, veggies, or nuts instead of chips, crackers, or cookies. Fruits and veggies neutralize the cavity-causing acids in your mouth, protecting you from tooth decay, while snacks high in carbohydrates convert to sugar, promoting cavities.
#5 Drink Plenty of Water
Drinking water throughout the day hydrates your body and helps wash away harmful debris left in your mouth after meals that can cause tooth decay.
If it's time for your next dental visit, contact your dentist in North York at (437) 900-8266 to book an appointment.
