Be honest… Did your oral hygiene regimen get tossed aside in 2024? Maybe you still have a few good habits in place, but you’ve also adopted a few bad ones. Either way, there’s no time like the present to take a good look at your routine and see where there is room for improvement. If you’re not sure where to start, here are five New Year’s Resolutions that will result in a healthier, happier smile in 2025!
1. Floss Every Night Before Bed
In short, brushing only cleans about 60% of the surface of your teeth. To prevent plaque from building up between your teeth and along your gumline, you need to floss as well. Try putting a note on your bathroom mirror so you don’t forget. Before you know it, it will be a part of your daily routine!
2. Brush Your Teeth for Two Full Minutes
Using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoridated toothpaste is a great first step. However, that’s just one piece of the puzzle. You also need to brush for a full two minutes each morning and evening to keep your teeth healthy. Use the timer on your phone as a guide – it may be longer than you think!
3. Switch to Sugar-Free Gum
As you know, sugar is one of the leading culprits of cavities. So, if you haven’t already, now is the perfect time to make the switch to sugar-free gum! Fortunately, they have just about every flavor imaginable, and you can buy yours online or at your local store due to increasing popularity.
4. Replace Your Toothbrush Every Quarter
Simply put, using old, frayed bristles to clean your teeth is a lot like using an old, dirty sponge to clean your dishes. So, make sure to replace yours every three months or so. Many electric toothbrush companies even offer a subscription where they send a replacement head automatically!
5. Visit Your Dentist Every Six Months
Remember, routine dental visits are not optional. Each appointment includes an oral cancer screening, a thorough check for tooth decay and gum disease, and the removal of built-up plaque and tartar. In other words, visiting your dentist every six months benefits your oral and overall health!
About the Practice
Our friendly and experienced team at the Grateful Dentists is here to help patients of all ages achieve a healthy, beautiful smile. To make that easy, we offer convenient appointment times (including early mornings and evenings), we welcome dental insurance, and we provide a wide range of restorative treatments in-office. If you are interested in learning more about what you can do to keep your smile in tip-top shape in 2025, get in touch with us via our website or by phone at (978) 667-5807.