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You can keep your smile healthier, longer by making just a few simple changes in your everyday habits and oral care techniques. It’s not as difficult as you might think. Here are some simple ways that you can improve your tooth and gum health in the next year.

Find a Way to Clean Between Teeth Each Day

It’s no secret. Flossing isn’t most people’s favorite activity. However, flossing between your teeth daily is essential to prevent cavities and gum disease. A toothbrush simply cannot reach between your teeth or under your gumlines, regardless of how good it is.

Although traditional floss is still important, investing in a water flosser is also a great solution for cleaning these important spaces in your mouth. Simply aim the water flosser to trace along your gums and pause between your teeth. Be sure to tilt it downward to clean inside of any periodontal pockets.

You can also buy floss picks and keep them in your car or desk drawer. Floss picks won’t clean as well as traditional floss or a water flosser, but they can keep your mouth cleaner throughout the day when you’re out and about.

Rinse With Water Between Brushing/Flossing Sessions

There is no substitute for tooth-brushing and flossing. However, if you can rinse out your mouth with water immediately after eating and drinking to help with:

• Food debris
• Bad breath
• Plaque buildup
• Tooth stain
• Acid erosion

When you’re snacking or sipping on something in the afternoon, rinse your mouth with water afterward. Regular rinsing combined with brushing and flossing will help minimize the amount of time food and liquids stay in contact with your teeth.

Treat Cavities As Early as Possible

Cavities should be treated early before they spread deeper into teeth and require more specialized treatment to correct. Early intervention is the best way to preserve your tooth structure. Even if your tooth doesn’t hurt, always address active cavities as quickly as possible.

Start Using Straws More Often

Consider using a straw whenever you drink any liquid other than water. Having a reusable straw on hand is a great idea and also cuts down on waste. When you use a straw, it allows liquids to bypass your top front teeth. This habit will help reduce stain and buildup on your top front teeth (the ones most noticeable when you smile.) If you recently had your teeth whitened or have bonding/veneers on those teeth, using a straw will cut down on any visible discoloration.

Switch Up Your Brushing Technique

A better toothbrush can help you enjoy a cleaner smile and healthier gums. Soft bristles are a must. If possible, changing to a high-quality electric toothbrush is also recommended. If you have trouble remembering to change your brush out each quarter, consider setting up an automatic Amazon order for toothbrush heads replacement or order them in advance then put the change-out dates on your calendar.

Book Your Checkups in Advance

It is easiest to keep your oral health on track by scheduling your dental appointments in advance. This will ensure that you don’t let time slip by or accidentally forget about your preventative care until it’s already a few months too late.

Call our smile specialist in The Woodlands today to schedule!