Happy New Year from Dr. Daniel Passidomo’s office! We’re looking forward to a year filled with happy, healthy smiles. Maybe you’ve vowed to read more nonfiction or check in on social media less this year — but what are your dental health resolutions for 2017? If you haven’t made any yet, it’s not too late! Your dentist in Centerville has some suggestions for healthy smile habits. Adopt one, two, or all of them for long-lasting oral health!
#1: Watch the Clock
Tell the truth — are you really brushing for the recommended two minutes, twice a day? For most adults, the answer is no. To ensure you’re getting a thorough clean every single time you brush your teeth, try setting the timer on your phone. Brush each quadrant of your smile in gentle, circular motions for 30 seconds. You may be surprised just how long two minutes is the first time you do it, but after a few full sessions, we think you’ll notice a difference in the way your teeth feel throughout the day.
You may also want to consider investing in an electric toothbrush — most come with an automatic timer to help you get a full clean, every single time.
#2: Develop a Flossing Habit
Most adults would like to floss every day, but they simply can’t remember to do it. Creating good habits isn’t easy, but it’s possible with a little effort.
Here are some tips to help you pick up a flossing habit.
- Place the dental floss somewhere you’re sure to see it after brushing, like right beside the faucet.
- Leave a post-it note reminding yourself to floss on your bathroom mirror. “Hey, you! Floss!” will work just fine.
- Keep track of each day you floss. Ticking days off the calendar provides a rewarding visual representation of your new healthy habits.
- Find an accountability partner! Encourage your family to pick up a flossing habit, too.
#3: Break Bad Habits
In addition to picking up healthy habits, we encourage you to break the bad ones, too. Even if you perform proper dental hygiene, habits like chewing on your pen, biting your nails, eating ice, and using your teeth as tools to open packages put your tooth enamel under serious pressure.
Eliminate the risk of broken, chipped, fractured, or dislodged teeth by kicking these habits. You may notice you chew your nails or bite your pen when you’re bored or anxious — try popping a rubber band instead.
#4: Protect Your Smile
Many adults grind their teeth at night, but because it occurs during sleep, the condition known as bruxism often remains undiagnosed. Unfortunately, bruxism leads to weak and worn teeth and can cause significant jaw pain. If you grind your teeth at night, investing in a custom-fitted mouthguard can protect your tooth enamel from excessive force or pressure. Dr. Passidomo provides nightguards as part of therapy for teeth grinding in Centerville.
Schedule an Appointment Today!
Welcome the new year with a visit to Dr. Passidomo’s office! We can’t wait to see you smile in 2017. Oh, and we are happy to provide healthy smiles with wonderful aesthetic services, too! Request an appointment with the general and cosmetic dentist in Centerville today.