As your dentist in Medina, I want your teeth to be as healthy and beautiful as possible — and I want your smile to last a lifetime. With that in mind, I think it’s a good time to get ahead on the New Years resolutions: here are the top five dental habits you should break before we ring in 2016.
#5: Not brushing for two minutes, twice a day
I know, I know — sometimes you’re running really late for work… or maybe you’re just too tired to do anything but fall right into bed at the end of a long day. But listen to me when I say there’s never a good excuse to skip brushing. Never. Make sure you’re doing it at least twice a day, for two minutes each time. If you have trouble hitting the two minute mark, try setting the stopwatch on your phone until you’re used to what it feels like.
#4: Allowing sugar or staining materials to remain on the teeth
You should be in the habit of rinsing your mouth with water after consuming the known oral health killers — like sugary snacks, candies and even after tooth-staining drinks like coffee and red wine. After a while, it’s a clean feeling you’ll crave… and your oral health will be all the better for it.
#3: Not hydrating with water
Healthy mouths are also hydrated mouths. That’s because saliva rinses away the food particles, bacteria and acids that cause decay and infection. Make sure you’re sipping on water throughout the day to keep your mouth hydrated and healthy — try slipping a reusable bottle into your bag if you have trouble remembering the H2O.
#2: Not flossing every day (or at all)
I see the evidence in the office all the time: far too many adults think it’s ok to skip the floss. What they don’t realize is it’s key to removing the leftover food particles and plaque that your toothbrush just can’t reach — and without proper daily flossing, that bacteria builds up and causes bad breath and tooth decay in quick succession. Make a habit out of flossing by placing it somewhere you’re sure to see it, like on top of your toothbrush or beside an important photo.
#1: Not scheduling twice annual checkups in Medina
And here we have it: the number one mistake people make when it comes to oral health is, without a doubt, ignoring their twice annual dental checkups and cleanings. This appointment every six months is your Medina dentist’s chance to check for the small signs of larger problems, like tooth decay, gum disease and even oral cancer. Prevention is key for a healthy smile. If it’s been more than six months since your last visit to the dentist, please contact our office to schedule your appointment. We want to keep all our neighbors in Medina smiling today, and for years to come.
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