Currently, there are roughly 323 million people living in America. We estimate that a few million New Year resolutions were made on January 1. However, don’t forget to make New Year resolutions concerning dental hygiene! These resolutions will keep your mouth healthy all year long.

Do you need a dental check up? Contact us today!

Consider the following tips to improve your dental hygiene:

Limit Soda, Coffee, Wine, and Tea

Certain drinks are good for your teeth, such as milk and water. Milk strengthens your teeth’s enamel and water helps clean the teeth of any food debris and sticky sugar from meals eaten throughout the day. There are some drinks that can cause your teeth to become discolored like soda, coffee, wine and tea. Not only is soda high in sugar content but is also very acidic which can erode the enamel causing cavities to pop up quickly.

Clean Your Gums

You’ve heard it before that it’s necessary to brush and floss your teeth twice a day. However, it’s also important to clean your gums. Remember to gently brush your gums by holding your toothbrush at a 45 degree angle to clean just under the gumline.

Avoid Tobacco

Tobacco affects the color of your teeth, as well as the overall health of your teeth’s enamel. Smokeless tobacco is high in sugar content and can cause cavities and gum recession as it rests up against the teeth and gums for an extended period of time. Also, if you use tobacco, you have increased chances of developing gum disease, oral infections, and certain cancers such as mouth and throat cancer.

Brush Your Tongue

After flossing and brushing your teeth, remember to clean your tongue! Bacteria can settle on your tongue and cause bad breath. Additionally, it can affect your dental health in a negative way.

Have a Tooth-Friendly Diet

You may have read our November blog concerning what foods to be mindful about during Thanksgiving. However, it’s important to be mindful about what food you eat every day of the year. Avoid sugary and acidic foods, as these ingredients contribute to cavities.

Visit Dr. Strandburg

There are certain elements of your dental hygiene that require Dr. Strandburg’s expertise. So, schedule an appointment with Dr. Strandburg at least two times a year for proactive dental care.

We hope this year is your healthiest and best year, yet!