We want you to love your teeth and oral health as much as we do. Your gums, teeth, tongue, and the rest of your mouth deserve a little extra love this month–No, not just because we anticipate that many of you are getting extra kisses this time of year. Your oral health plays a pivotal role in your overall health and happiness. With a clean mouth, you can enjoy your favorite foods pain-free, smile and laugh without inhibition, and communicate with confidence.

If you’re looking to show your mouth a little extra love this month:

1. Give Up Bad Habits

Did your New Year’s resolutions fall by the wayside? If so, get back on the horse, now. Giving up unhealthy dental habits can save you a lot of pain, grief, and money in the long run. Many of these habits can also help you live a happier life and help you achieve your goals more easily.

Dental Don’ts to Quit Right Now:

  • Eating sugary snacks. Instead opt for healthy choices like carrot sticks, celery, and yogurt. If you do indulge in candy or sugary desserts, be sure to brush and floss immediately after.
  • Drinking red wine. Red wine can stain and damage your teeth. If living without reds seems impossible, remember to brush after or try a white variety every now and then.
  • Smoking. You likely know how harmful cigarettes can be to your overall health. Smoking also does significant damage to your mouth. It’s time to quit.

2. Brush More Than Once Daily

Most people brush before bed, but if you’re not brushing more often, you’re allowing bacteria and plaque to build up on your teeth. Try to brush at night, after breakfast, and after lunch if you can. This will keep your teeth clean, your breath fresh, and your overall oral health on the rise.

3. Floss and Use Mouthwash

Brushing is just part of the battle when it comes to your daily dental routine. You also need to floss and use mouthwash to maintain the best oral health. Floss before you brush to rinse away all the loose debris.

As for mouthwash, you should use it before brushing as well or at other times throughout the day. If you use mouthwash immediately after brushing, it can rinse away the fluoride from your toothpaste and reduce its effectiveness.

4. Increase Your Water Consumption

Water doesn’t just provide your body with hydration, it is also extremely beneficial for your smile. Water washes away debris and can reduce your risk of cavities by acting as backup for your natural saliva.

Drinking more water will also reduce that yucky dry-mouth feeling. Dry mouth can also lead to more progressed and aggressive tooth decay.

Of course, when you reach for water instead of a soda or other sugary beverage, you get the added benefit of feeling satisfied without harmful sugar. Water is also acid neutral, so it won’t damage your enamel like juices.

5. Make an Appointment to See Us

You deserve a healthy smile. Make an appointment for a checkup and cleaning. Our dental hygienist team will keep your pearly whites shining and clean. Our doctors will also address any dental issues before they get worse. If you’ve had a nagging pain or have an issue that makes you feel embarrassed, we can discuss your issues and get you back on the road to a beaming, carefree smile.

Tooth Be Told: Your Smile Deserves Some TLC

Don’t put off your dental health any longer. Give your kisser a reason to smile. We cannot wait to bring your smile back to its full potential. Schedule an appointment today or give us a call!

Photo Credit: Pexels.