Want to Boost Your Dental Health This Year? Here are 5 Tips to Help!

You’ve made it into the new year, and you want to make the best of it by improving your dental health. Your main challenge is to develop the best strategy for moving forward. To eliminate any guessing, read on to get 5 tips that will make a huge impact and prevent any unwanted bacteria growth!

Tip #1 – Ramp-Up Your Brushing Efforts

When it comes to making effective and noticeable changes in your dental health, it starts with simple activities, one of which is brushing your teeth. If you’ve been slacking in getting in a second session, then it is a great time to step-up your efforts to prevent the harmful growth of bacteria.

One of the more important times to get in an additional toothbrushing session is before retiring for bed. Thus, you can limit the amount of harmful activity that normally goes on while you sleep.

Tip #2 – Don’t Skip-Out on Flossing

Using dental floss is just as important as brushing your teeth. That’s because the latter can typically only clean 60% of the surface. Thus, a great deal of debris could be left to eventually lead to cavities and gum disease.

The threat can be thwarted, though, by using flexible dental floss to maneuver into the tight areas and clean your teeth.

Tip #3 – Find Alternatives for Sugar

If you’re like many people and have a “sweet tooth,” then it could lead to issues with your dental health. The reason is that bacteria prefer sugar. Thus, when you consume an abundance of it, you place yourself at a greater risk of tooth decay.

Some healthier alternatives are to eat more fruit, which contains naturally-occurring sugars that aren’t as detrimental to your teeth and gums. You can also consider using sugar-free sweeteners like stevia or xylitol.

Tip #4 – Drink More Water

Because your body is composed of over 70% water, staying hydrated is essential to your overall health. It also aids in protecting your mouth, teeth and gums from bacteria growth.

This is accomplished through two means:

• Drinking water after a meal helps to remove lingering food particles.
• Saturating your mouth with water also helps to maintain moisture, which makes it harder for bacteria to grow.

Tip #5 – Commit to Visiting Your Dentist

Your professional ally in your fight for excellent dental health is your dentist. Therefore, you should make it a priority to maintain preventive care visits every six months. While there, you’ll receive a thorough cleaning that will clear away plaque and tartar, and you’ll be examined to make sure there are no developing issues that need to be corrected.

While visiting, you’ll also have a chance to ask any questions so you can be empowered moving forward. So to maintain a beautiful and healthy smile, reach out today to schedule an appointment with your dentist!

About the Author

Dr. Gabriel Ruiz earned his DMD degree from the Boston University Goldman School of Dental Medicine. Throughout his career, he has taken the time to simplify professional jargon so patients can always have a full understanding of the treatment they’re receiving. Dr. Ruiz provides preventive care at East Brunswick Family & Implant Dentistry, and he can be reached for more information through his website.