Brighten your smile this year! Every year, millions of people across the United States await the stroke of midnight on December 31 and vow to transform themselves into better people. Many choose to get in shape or improve their finances. Others pledge to find the right job or reduce their stress. It doesn’t matter what your New Year’s resolution is: what matters is the drive to become better this year than you were last year.
In spite of lofty goals, there’s one New Year’s resolution you can make that’s relatively simple. Taking better care of your teeth can positively impact your physical and emotional well-being, and brighten your smile!
Here are a few tips from Fioritto Family Dental to improve your dental health and brighten your smile in the coming year.
Re-learn to brush the right way
The first step toward improving your smile is to re-learn how to brush your teeth. For most people, this just means being more mindful of how you’re brushing. Spending a full two minutes, getting every quadrant, brushing both sides of your teeth, etc. It’s good to have a basic refresher.
Use only a pea-sized amount of toothpaste when you brush. Then, hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to your gums. Brush the outside, inside and chewing edge of each tooth using soft, short strokes. When you’re done, you shouldn’t need to spit out the toothpaste. In fact, the fluoride in the toothpaste will continue to provide protection for a short time after brushing.
Purchase an electric toothbrush
If you’re still cleaning your teeth twice a day with a manual toothbrush, you’re missing out. One study demonstrated that “people who use an electric toothbrush have healthier gums, less tooth decay and also keep their teeth for longer, compared with those who use a manual toothbrush.” There are many models of electric toothbrushes, fit for every price range. Make this year the year you upgrade if you haven’t already done so!
Drink more water
Are you waking up to four or more cups of coffee? Do you find yourself drinking several sodas throughout the day? Is juice your drink of choice? Each of these popular drinks can hurt your teeth by eating away at your enamel. Coffee and tea can also stain your teeth. Meanwhile, there are several benefits to drinking water. Water washes away bacteria and keeps your mouth clean between brushing. It also helps restore tooth enamel and fights dry mouth. This year, choose to imbibe more water—your teeth (and body) will thank you.
Treat heartburn
Many people choose to ignore their heartburn or treat it on a case-by-case occurrence. If you’re experiencing consistent heartburn or acid reflux, have it treated by a medical professional as soon as possible. When you have heartburn, the acid from your stomach can erupt upward through your esophagus and into your mouth, causing damage to your teeth and throat. This can lead to long-term enamel damage and periodontitis. To save your smile, address your heartburn.
Make this year all about your smile
Hopefully, the new year gives you plenty of reasons to smile. When you do, make sure you’re showing off a mouth full of pearly whites!
Do you want to learn more about how to improve or brighten your smile this year? Schedule an appointment with Fioritto Dental today! Together, we’ll kick the year off right!