Spring Into Healthy Dental Habits

By: John Dougherty

 
Here in Arizona spring is one of the most beautiful times of year. It’s also a time of change – a season of fresh starts and renewed commitments. At Artistic Dental, we’re encouraging our patients to spring clean their oral hygiene routines, for healthier, happier mouths. Consider some back-to-basics tips to make your 2014 smile your brightest one yet:

1. Choose the toothbrush that’s right for you

 If you’ve been using the same toothbrush for as long as you can remember, it might be time to make a change. Is it hard for you to brush your teeth manually for the recommended full two minutes? Consider trying an electric toothbrush that will do some of the work for you. (Built-in timers also make it easy to ensure you’re brushing long enough.) If you decide to stick with a manual toothbrush, we recommend using a soft-bristled brush to decrease the chance of wearing away your enamel.

 

2. Floss like a pro

Flossing might not be your favorite activity, but it’s just as important as brushing. So which teeth should you floss regularly? Only the ones you want to keep!. Once a day, gather a full 18 inches of floss and get to work. Wrap the floss around each of your middle fingers and hug the side of each tooth while working the floss down to the gum line. To minimize the spread of bacteria, unravel as you go, using a different area of floss as you move from tooth to tooth. Make flossing a part of your daily routine, and it will become a swift and easy task.

 

3. Whiten and brighten

Feeling great about how your smile looks is important, and it can motivate you to take better care of your teeth. A variety of options exist for folks seeking a whiter grin – in office procedures, over-the-counter treatments and touch-ups for those who have whitened their teeth in the past. You might even consider switching to whitening toothpaste to help fight stains on a daily basis.

 

Make a healthy change this spring and clean up your dental health habits. Brushing your teeth with the right brush and flossing daily will minimize your chances of tooth decay and gum disease, and investing in whitening treatments will make for a beautiful smile all year round.