Resolve to Improve Your Oral Health This Year
New year, new you, right? Many people will be making resolutions to be healthier through exercise and/or diet, so why not improve your oral health too? The mouth is the gateway to the body and maintaining good oral health can help prevent other health issues such as heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. Read on for some tips on how you can improve your oral health in 2023!
Brushing and Flossing Correctly
Be sure to help your kids brush twice a day and floss once to ensure they’re on the right path to a healthy mouth! Flossing only provides a benefit to your oral health when done correctly. Most people do not floss correctly because they do not use a C-shape when flossing and do not go far enough under the gums. As a result, plaque is not removed from between teeth or deep under the gum line which can cause periodontal disease. Show your kids how to properly floss by demonstrating the correct technique yourself! To ensure that you’re flossing correctly, make sure to use about 18 inches of floss, wrapping it around your middle fingers before moving it up and down the sides of both your upper teeth and lower teeth. Make sure to use a fresh section of floss as you move to different teeth so as to not spread any germs or bacteria. When you reach your back teeth, make sure to create C-shapes with the floss when bending it around each tooth so that it can reach its gum line. Finally, remember to be gentle while flossing; too much force can cause harm to your gums. With these steps, you can feel confident that your smile will stay bright and healthy!
Brushing with an Electric Toothbrush vs. Traditional Toothbrush
An electric toothbrush is often considered more effective than a traditional toothbrush when used correctly. Users of electric toothbrushes do not have to brush back and forth, but simply guide the brush through the quadrants of their mouths. Additionally, many electric toothbrushes have timers that alert users when they have brushed for the recommended two minutes. Studies have shown that electric toothbrushes are more effective at reducing plaque and gingivitis than manual toothbrushes, so make the switch this year!
Good oral health is important for overall health and well-being. Be sure to help your kids brush twice a day with a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste and floss once daily using a C-shape technique. Consider switching to an electric toothbrush as they are more effective than manual toothbrushes in reducing plaque and gingivitis. Let’s make 2023 the year of good oral health!