New year…new you!  New Year’s resolutions are a great way to get back on track with some healthy habits.  As you gear up to get more exercise and eat more vegetables in 2019, don’t forget about your teeth!  Improving your oral health habits not only helps your smile, but can help your overall health as well (remember our post on dental health during pregnancy and on diabetes?).  We know that sticking to your New Year’s resolutions can be overwhelming and challenging so we decided to share three easy oral health resolutions that will make a difference.

1. Buy a new toothbrush.

Twice daily toothbrushing puts some wear and tear on those bristles and if you notice your toothbrush looking frayed and worn it’s definitely time for a new one.  Also, with cold and flu season in full swing, it’s a good idea to replace your family’s toothbrushes if anyone has been sick. At FDA, we recommend electric toothbrushes to make brushing more effective and those need replacing periodically as well.  Fresh bristles are more effective at cleaning your teeth and the ADA recommends replacing your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months. Put a reminder in your calendar and keep your toothbrush and your teeth fresh!

2. Floss.

We know, we know…you’ve heard about the importance of flossing a million times and yet only about 30% of American floss their teeth daily.  This can be a hard habit to incorporate into your routine, but it has incredible benefits for your mouth and your overall health.  If you are having trouble incorporating flossing into your oral health care regimen, here are some tips:

• Switch up the time of day.  If you’re always too tired to floss at the end of the day, try flossing in the morning or mid-day.  It’s not important when you clean between your teeth, it’s just important that you do it.
• Talk to your dentist about alternatives to floss.  Dental picks or water flossing, which works in the shower,  might be easier options for you to use regularly.

3. Visit the Dentist!

Have you been meaning to make an appointment with us for some time?  Now is a great time to give us a call and schedule a check-up! We are here to help you develop healthy habits and inform you about the best oral care options available.  We recommend that you come see us for cleanings and checkups twice a year. If you are nervous about coming to the dentist, we are happy to discuss our oral sedation options.  We love helping you have a beautiful smile and a healthy mouth! Give us a call at 207.781.5900 today!

***Image courtesy of www.harvard.edu