The start of a new year is the perfect time to commit to some new goals. This year, consider some dental health resolutions to add to your self-care routine so you can pass these healthy habits down to your kids! Check out the suggestions below to get some ideas on how you can improve your oral health this year.
Consistency is Key
When determining your dental health goals, let’s start with the basics: brushing and flossing. While this may seem like common sense, you should be consistently caring for your smile daily. Sometimes it may be easier to just go to bed without brushing your teeth, or to skip flossing if you feel like you don’t need it, but don’t underestimate the power of habit! Especially in kids!
The difference between a healthy smile and a smile with gum disease is consistency. It’s recommended that you brush your teeth twice per day with fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush. We know how important it is for kids to brush their teeth, so why wouldn’t parents do the same thing? Don’t let your smile falter while you’re encouraging your children’s smiles to grow.
Choose the Right Snacks
Choose healthy foods and drinks to protect your smile from damage. Anything that is too acidic or contains too much sugar can break down your enamel. The weakening of the enamel can lead to cavities and dental disease for people of all ages, so it’s best to avoid harmful foods altogether. Instead, try chewing on some crunchy vegetables: carrots or cucumbers. They can help keep your teeth and gums clean and may wash away some plaque in between brushing.
Visit the Dentist Regularly
You and your kids should be visiting our office every six months for a professional dental cleaning and checkup. No matter how well you care for your smile, you can’t remove tartar without the help of a dental health professional. Tartar must be removed through the process of scaling; which your dental hygienist does every time you visit them for a cleaning. Every smile is unique, so it’s important to understand the needs of your teeth and gums.
We’re happy to have you in our world this year. From everyone at Westerville Pediatric Dental, we wish you a happy, safe, and fulfilling new year!
