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Resolve to Get a Healthier Smile This Year With These Oral Health Hacks
Every year, millions of Americans decide to make a New Year’s resolution, and for many, their resolution has something to do with their health, their appearance, or both. Teeth happen to be the gateway to your overall health (or lack of it), so keeping that smile strong and shiny is in your long-term best interest.
At Smile Boutique in Mount Vernon, New York, Dr. Wayne Hofflich and his team provide a wide range of dental services designed to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Here are some oral health hacks for getting and keeping a healthier smile in the new year.
Make tooth brushing and flossing part of your family routine
The family that brushes and flosses together has great smiles in their annual family portraits. Making oral hygiene a family activity helps ensure you don’t forget and lets you keep an eye on any younger members of the family who might need a little help. Put on a little music, choose colorful toothbrushes, and have fun with it. No kids in the house? Your dog or cat may like following you into the bathroom to see where the party is.
Drink plenty of water, especially after meals
Some people think they need to brush and floss directly after every meal, but this can mean small particles of food in your mouth can cause abrasions on your tooth enamel. Instead, make sure you drink plenty of water after meals, swishing to rinse your mouth, and then give it a half hour for any food stuck between your teeth to flush out before brushing.
Wear your night guard at night, every night
Constant clenching and grinding of your teeth, especially at night, can cause significant wear-and-tear. Having your dentist create a custom mouthguard for you can help save the health of your teeth by preventing you from continuing this compulsive habit.
A nightguard can also help position your jaw properly to prevent your tongue and throat tissues from touching at night, which is what causes a lot of snoring.
See your dentist regularly, even if you have to pay cash
Uninsured Americans skip dental visits and procedures regularly, with 65% saying they routinely opt out of even basic dental care. Even Americans with insurance tend to skip appointments and recommended treatments, with 48% saying even with coverage, costs are too high. However, the cost of not getting your twice a year checkup can mean a relatively simple and inexpensive-to-fix dental issue is missed. This means it can turn into a not-so-easy-to-fix problem that can cost you thousands of dollars more in the long run and seriously impact your health.
By following these oral health hacks, you can have a brighter, healthier smile all through the year ahead. If it’s been a while since you saw a dentist, contact us today by calling 914-664-7400 or by booking an appointment online.
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