Want to keep smiling all through 2019? A great way to start is by following a few tips from a dentist in Montrose. These include choosing fresh fruit over sugary desserts, making sure your toothbrush is fresh not frayed, and making this your year to quit smoking. Cultivating these habits will give you a harvest of healthier teeth and gums, not only this year but for all the years to come.
Why Replacing Your Toothbrush Is Crucial
A worn-out toothbrush is like a threadbare piece of clothing. It’s no longer able to do the job for which it was intended. Frayed bristles cannot maintain even contact with your teeth. Even vigorous brushing will not be as effective as it might otherwise be.
Dentists recommend replacing your toothbrush every 2-3 months or whenever it looks past its prime. For most people, a soft bristle brush and is best. Hard bristles may damage your teeth’s protective enamel, allowing decay-causing bacteria to infect the inner tooth.
Modern toothbrushes come in a variety of styles, with differing bristle arrangements and angled heads for hard-to-reach places. If you’re unsure which type you choose, then ask your dentist for a recommendation.
The exact type of toothbrush you use is less important than your brushing habits themselves. Remember the “2 x 2 rule.” You should brush at least two times a day for a full two minutes each time. Make sure you clean all sides of your teeth: front, back, and chewing surfaces.
Fruit Is Your Best Choice for Satisfying Your Sweet Tooth
Let’s face it; all of us love the taste of sugar. But indulging your sweet tooth need not come at the cost of your oral health. Fruits like apples, oranges, tangerines, bananas, peaches, plums, berries, and watermelons are not only delicious, they’re packed with plenty of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. This makes them a more nutritious choice than sugar-loaded desserts and snack foods.
Make 2019 Your Year to Butt out the Habit
With all the information about the hazards of smoking, you might think that the habit would be long gone for good. Unfortunately, over 35 million Americans are still addicted to tobacco in one form or another. The good news is that new medications can help you to kick the habit for good. Ask your dentist about these products.
While vaping devices have not been around as long as cigarettes, the health information we have about them is disturbing to say the least. The best course of action is to avoid nicotine altogether. Not only will you feel better, your teeth and gums will appreciate the difference.
2019 is already going by fast. Get a jump start on your resolutions by putting the tips in this post into practice starting today. When 2020 rolls around, you’ll look back with well-deserved pride at all the good you’ve done for yourself.
About the Author
Dr. Holly Boone has been working as a dental care professional for over 10 years. She earned her DMD degree from the University of Florida and is a proud member of the American Dental Association. You can reach her office online or by calling (713) 522-7540.