New Year’s Resolutions for Dental Hygiene and How to Achieve Them

Do you want to know one of the easiest resolutions that can make for this New Year? One that’s actually achievable? Many people will decide to lose weight, exercise more, or eat healthier. All of these things are great, but did you ever stop to think about your dental health and its importance for your overall well-being?

Many Downtown San Diego residents don’t know the connection between the two. If you’re wondering about dental hygiene basics and why it matters, periodontitis (gum disease) is one of the leading infections and causes of tooth loss. But it’s also tied to your overall wellness. Gum disease has been associated with other health problems, such as stroke, cardiovascular disease, and bacterial pneumonia. Chronic periodontitis is also estimated to affect 47.2 percent of adults in the United States who are aged 30 or older.

It’s easy to see why your dental hygiene and good oral habits should be considered when making resolutions for the new year. Healthier teeth = a healthier you!

Dental Hygiene Tips for the New Year

Take a moment to assess your dental care routine — do you feel it lacks in one area or another? It’s easy to forget about our oral health when we lead busy lives. At a time in the year when we focus on our health, why not resolve to improve your dental health while you’re at it? Here are a few dental hygiene tips that can help you keep your focus:

1. Remember to Floss. You need to reach the areas between your teeth to get rid of bacteria, no matter how well you brush, and a toothbrush is not the best tool to do it. You can only really clean your mouth all the way by flossing between your teeth on a daily basis.

For many, flossing can be one of the most difficult habits to pick up. It can be tedious and sometimes even painful if your gums are infected. There are many great alternatives to flossing, such as a water flosser. These devices flush out areas that bristles can’t reach with a steady stream of water.

1. Drink a Lot of Water. Water is good for your teeth! It removes acids, lowers bacterial levels, and keeps your mouth moist (to lower your risk of bad breath and cavities). Municipal water from the tap also contains fluoride, which can help strengthen tooth enamel. To help reduce waste and to save money, keep a refillable water bottle on you and take it to work, school, or whenever you’re on the go.
2. Visit AlignBar Regularly for Checkups. Many people believe that a San Diego dentist’s office isn’t a place they need to go until they are in pain due to a toothache, but regular dental checks can prevent most tooth problems.

You’ll typically want to visit a dentist’s office once every six months to have your teeth cleaned professionally. Our hygienists use advanced tools that allow them to reach the most difficult areas of your mouth and remove tartar and plaque that your toothbrush left behind. This reduces your likelihood of developing decay and gum disease in these areas. We will also take digital X-rays, as needed, to identify any concerns as early as possible.

Best Toothbrushes and Toothpaste for Preventing Cavities

“Which toothpaste and toothbrush should I use?” This is a common question we hear in our office, and it’s a great one to ask. The best way to improve your oral hygiene is to know what toothpaste and toothbrushes are most effective and to use them regularly.

When it comes to toothbrushes, many people believe that brushing harder means you’re doing a better job, but this can be traumatizing to the gum tissue and teeth. It can also cause toothbrushes to skip certain areas, leaving more plaque on your teeth. A soft-bristled toothbrush is gentler and more effective at cleaning all of the contours of your teeth.

As for toothpaste, our Downtown San Diego dentists recommended using an ADA-approved, anti-cavity fluoridated toothpaste. All you need is a pea-sized amount. Fluoride can help to reduce tooth sensitivity and the risk of developing cavities.

Start Your Oral Care Journey and Keep Going

At AlignBar, we’re always happy to help you keep your smile healthy and clean. Call now to make your first appointment in 2023. Our AlignBar team is looking forward to seeing you!