The stroke of midnight on January 1 brings with it the promise of fresh starts in the new year. As you think about what resolutions you want to make for 2022, consider boosting your commitment to daily dental care to improve your overall oral health. The benefits are compelling.
In addition to helping prevent tooth decay, gum disease and bad breath, a healthy mouth and gums plays an important role is your overall well-being. Did you know gum disease can contribute to heart issues, diabetes and liver problems, to name a few?
By adding just a few steps to your daily dental care in 2022, you are setting yourself up for a healthier life.
The Ultimate Daily Dental Care Checklist
- Continue brushing for two minutes, twice a day (including flossing!). Check out these tips for brushing your teeth to make sure you’re getting the most out of the effort.
- Invest in an electric toothbrush, Studies show that electric toothbrushes are more effective at removing plaque from the surface of teeth than manual toothbrushes. Most models also have a built-in timer, which helps you meet the recommended two-minute brushing time.
- Bacteria can build up on your tongue so give it a brush to remove the biofilm and help reduce bad breath. You can also purchase tongue scrapers to more easily clean the top of your tongue.
- Add a rinse with mouthwash to your brushing routine. Mouthwash can help you spit out plaque and remove loose food particles that remain after brushing and flossing. Choose an alcohol-free rinse if you have issues with dry mouth.
- Modify your diet to reduce your intake of sugary- and carbohydrate-heavy foods and drinks. Even with good oral hygiene habits, over time the sugar and acid can build up on teeth and cause decay.
- Up the amount of plain water you drink throughout the day. It’s good for overall health and especially helpful to remove food and sugars from teeth between brushings.
- Kick the smoking or vaping habit. Both options introduce nicotine into your system, which causes reactions in your body that impact the health of your teeth and gums.
- Verify that you have a regular twice-yearly schedule of appointments set with your dentist for cleanings and assessments of your oral health.
Resolve to make daily dental care a priority in 2022. Looking for a general dentist near Joliet? Call us at 815-725-5991 or book an appointment online.
