New Year’s often renews our energy to improve our health and well-being. Though eating healthy is usually at the top of everyone’s mind, improving your dental hygiene can be an equally attainable goal!
A big part of staying healthy and preventing the spread of disease is taking proper care of your teeth and gums. Remember, you want to address any oral health issues early on to avoid complex (and expensive) procedures down the road.
2022 Dental Hygiene Tips from Dakota Dental
If you’re unsure about when to get teeth cleaned or even the best practices for healthy teeth, now is the time to learn and get back on track with your dental hygiene routine.
The Daily
Brush Twice a Day
You should brush your teeth daily for a minimum of two minutes, once in the morning and once at night.
- This year, make sure you’re getting the full benefits of a good teeth cleaning by setting the alarm on your smartphone or storing a timer in your bathroom.
- Remember not to brush too hard either, as this can injure your gums.
- Don’t neglect your tongue! Scrape your tongue after brushing to eliminate bacteria and promote fresh breath.
Read more on best brushing techniques from the American Dental Association.
Use Mouthwash
If you don’t already, add mouthwash to your dental hygiene routine! Use mouthwash once per day after brushing.
- Opt for an alcohol-free mouthwash, as mouthwashes containing alcohol can dry your mouth of the saliva it uses to keep bacteria at bay.
- Are you looking for the best mouthwash? Contact our team to help you select an option that best addresses your personal dental concerns and goals.
At Mealtime
Floss after Meals
Whether you’re eating more healthy vegetables or enjoying the occasional sugary foods, be sure to floss carefully between your teeth to remove particles that get stuck in between.
- Carry floss with you on the go, so you don’t have to wait until you get home to remove food.
- Use the “C Shape” method to ensure you’re flossing thoroughly around the whole tooth.
Drink Water An Hour Before Each Meal
Did you know that drinking water can help strengthen your teeth? It’s true! Water that contains fluoride can help prevent cavity development. It flushes food particles from your system and your mouth, including sugar that might try to stick around after a meal (Healthy Mouth).
Read our blog “5 Drinks to Limit for a Healthy Mouth” for an in-depth look at which beverages affect your teeth the most!
Twice a Year
Schedule Your Cleanings
Visiting your local dentist for a routine cleaning is recommended every six months. If you’ve fallen behind schedule, now is the time to get back on track with your dental hygiene routine. These visits can help minor issues from developing into more significant, more expensive problems.
On a Case By Case Basis
Cosmetic Dentistry
If you wish for whiter or straighter teeth when you look in the mirror, it’s time to visit us at Dakota Dental. You shouldn’t have to wait to enjoy the smile of your dreams. Check out our cosmetic dentistry services, including veneers and teeth whitening treatments.
Something Just Feels…Off
Our bodies do a great job of letting us know when there is a problem. Over the year, you may start to notice something that feels off. Typical symptoms include:
- Toothache
- Headache
- Snoring
- Mouth breathing
- Jaw pain, etc.
- Teeth grinding
Perhaps you begin to grind your teeth at night, experience increased tooth sensitivity, or maybe your dentures or retainer don’t fit right anymore. Our team can help you schedule an appointment so you can find relief right away and get the type of dental care you deserve.
Oh No! An Emergency!
Dental emergencies happen. We reserve time in our schedule to handle urgent issues and get you feeling better! If you or a loved one ends up with a chipped or broken tooth, severe toothache, or any other type of time-sensitive situation, give us a call right away.
Prioritize Your Dental Hygiene Routine This Year
In 2022, move dental care to the top of your self-care list. You and your teeth will be so glad you did. Ready to come in for a visit? At Dakota Dental, we continue to make your safety our priority. If you feel nervous about going to the dentist, reach out to us to learn how we’re taking every precaution to protect our patients and team and help you feel safe and in control.
Schedule your next appointment!
Oh, and stay tuned to our blog for more dental hygiene tips, answers to your most-asked dental questions, and expert recommendations.
