Dental Resolutions for a Healthier Smile
If you’re taking the opportunity to improve your health, don’t forget about your teeth. Oral health can affect overall health, so taking better care of your teeth and gums is important for more than reducing stains and bad breath.
This could just mean improving what you’re already doing every day to help prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and other problems or talking to us at Happy Care Clinic if you think you have an existing problem you want to fix.
Whether you want to improve your oral health or your smile, setting small, achievable goals can be the best way to succeed. Here are some dental resolutions
- Brush twice a day
Tooth brushing is the foundation of preventive dental care, but many of us don’t brush as often as recommended. According to the latest survey of adult oral health in India, just over half (53%) of adults brush their teeth twice a day.
Brushing should ideally be done first thing in the morning and before going to sleep. This helps to remove leftover food and prevent the build-up of bacteria during the day and to remove plaque that may have built up during the night when you’re not rinsing your mouth.
It’s important not to brush too soon after you eat or drink something. This is because acids left behind on teeth surfaces can temporarily weaken the enamel, which may be damaged when you brush. Wait at least 30 minutes and rinse your mouth in the meantime.
2. Replace your toothbrush
Has it been longer than 3 months since you last changed your toothbrush? If you can’t remember, it’s likely that you’re due for a replacement. Choose a toothbrush or toothbrush head that fits comfortably in your mouth and has soft bristles.
If you’re considering updating to an electric toothbrush, this could help to make brushing easier or more comfortable if you find it difficult to use a manual toothbrush. Otherwise, a manual toothbrush can do the job just as well.
We at Happy Care Clinic recommend replacing your toothbrush or electric toothbrush head every 3 months or sooner if you notice the bristles fraying or bending out of shape, you’ve had an illness or you’re not satisfied with your current toothbrush.
3. Floss every day
Flossing is as important as brushing for removing bacteria and food from between your teeth. If you don’t floss regularly, bacteria can build up between the teeth in plaque, leading to tooth decay and gum disease. Over time, plaque can harden into tartar or calculus, which can only be removed during dental cleans.
Flossing should preferably be done before you brush your teeth in the morning. Holding the floss between your index fingers, gently clean up and down the inside edges of every tooth, moving along the floss as you go.
If you don’t like the feeling of floss or find it difficult to use, your dentist may recommend other options such as a floss threader, interdental brush, or water flosser
4. Cut down on sugar
Almost half of the Indian adults (47.8%) consume above the recommended 24 grams (6 teaspoons) of free sugar per day. The figure is significantly higher for children and teens who are more likely to have sugary snacks and drinks in their diets
