Effective oral care habits are extremely important to protect your smile from periodontal disease, yellowing, cavities, and more. While many make sure to brush their teeth regularly, there is more you can do to ensure a healthy mouth and teeth. Start off 2017 right by adding at least one of these habits to your oral care routine, and you can always add more!
Vitamins
Increasing your vitamin intake, particularly during winter months, is often a good idea. However, there are added benefits that many do not know about! Your teeth and gums are made up of calcium, so by increasing your calcium intake, you are also helping your oral health! Increasing your Vitamin D and C intake can prevent severe dental problems, such as loose teeth and bleeding gums. If you are not getting your daily recommended value of vitamins, consider a multivitamin; as a bonus, it is easy to get in the habit of taking a vitamin in the morning.
Brushing and Flossing
If you don’t brush and floss twice a day, start today! Your oral health is dependent on twice daily brushing and flossing; if you do not do this, it is guaranteed that you will have dental problems throughout your life. Though most brush their teeth, the same cannot be said for flossing. Get in the habit of flossing before you brush at night every day, and add in a morning floss once you are used to nightly flossing. This way, you are much more likely to keep your New Year’s resolution to floss more!
Schedule Your Appointments Today
Everyone should have two dental appointments a year. Regular checkups ensure that dental problems are caught early enough, and dentists can remove plaque that daily brushing simply cannot get. These appointments are good for preventative care, though daily brushing and flossing will go farther in overall oral health! To mark something off your checklist, schedule at least one of your appointments today!
Courtesy of: US News