Every new year, we hear about people making New Year’s resolutions. Exercising more, spending less, eating less, drinking less, giving more – the list of resolutions could go on and on. But we also often hear so many people are simply unable to keep their resolutions much past Spring. Habits can be hard to break – or make.
This year, make a resolution you can actually keep! Resolve to improve your dental hygiene and enjoy better overall dental health!
What exactly does that mean?
- Brush your teeth every day.
Sounds easy, because it is! It requires just three things: A fluoride toothpaste that displays the American Dental Association seal, a quality firm bristle toothbrush, and YOU! There is no big mystery on the right way to brush your teeth. Just be sure you do it at least once every day, twice daily if you can – once in the morning after you wake up, and once before you go to bed. In between meals, after eating sugary snacks, or after drinking sugary beverages is good to do too. Want to know more about how to brush your teeth? You can view an informative video and get helpful tips on the best way to brush your teeth by visiting our web site now. - Floss your teeth every day.
There are three secrets to successful flossing: Knowing the right way to floss, using a quality floss or flossing product, and actually DOING IT! So many people say it hurts when they floss, or it is too complicated or time consuming to floss, but that is because they are likely not flossing properly or using the wrong kind of flossing product. If you have a small mouth and larger hands, or teeth with little gap between them, the type of flossing product you choose will make the job easy – or not so easy. Also, many people say they bleed when they floss. Well, the truth is, this is typically because they don’t floss enough. That slight bleeding is due to the puffiness in the tender gums between your teeth. The more you floss, the less tender your gums become, so the less they bleed. Not sure how to floss or which flossing product is best for you? View a helpful video and get step by step instructions on good flossing techniques on our website now. - See your dentist regularly.
This one is real easy! Just pick up the phone and call your dentist for an appointment – then just show up. That’s all it takes! Your dentist will do the rest. They will examine your teeth, check your gums, have x-rays taken, and clean and polish your teeth. Your doctor will tell you if they see anything in your mouth that is concerning, if you appear to be brushing and flossing properly, and inform you of anything they recommend. The end result: clean and shiny teeth, and the comfort of knowing you have good dental health. This dentist visit should be performed twice per year, as your insurance allows. Want to know more about what happens at the typical dental visit? Read more and watch an educational video online on our web site now.
Resolutions need not be unduly painful or complicated. Sometimes the most obvious are the most successful – and the most beneficial. This year, resolve to improve your dental hygiene – and your dental health!
Dr. Majka can help! Dr. Joseph Majka is a dentist in Valparaiso, Indiana, practicing general, family and cosmetic dentistry. He can help you ensure your resolution of better dental health is a success! Call Dr. Majka for an appointment at (219) 464-7191.