Bloomsburg, Danville, and Lewisburg, PA

Now is the time to start thinking about your New Year resolutions since the holiday is here. As you decide on different items to include on your resolution or goal list, it’s important to remember your oral health. Our Bloomsburg family dentists at Hamilton Dental Care believe that practicing proper dental hygiene should be a primary focus in the new year to maintain a healthy smile and good overall health. Therefore, we share how to start the new year with three oral care tips that can protect your smile daily.

1. Floss

Despite being necessary for healthy teeth and gums, flossing is difficult for most people. The American Dental Association recommends flossing daily to remove food debris and harmful bacteria from hard-to-reach places. Our family dentists recommend flossing before bed to remove food debris and plaque buildup so that it doesn’t cling to your teeth and gums all night long.

How To Floss:

Remove about 18 inches of floss. Wrap each end around your middle fingers to secure it with your thumbs and index fingers. Then, carefully insert the floss between your teeth, but avoid “popping” the floss as it could injure your gums. Start at the back of your mouth, using the floss in a “U” shape as you slide it across the sides of each tooth and along the gum line. Be sure to unwind new floss for each tooth as you floss to prevent the spreading of bacteria.

There are many flossing products to choose from. Some people prefer water flossers or pre-threaded sticks over traditional string floss. String floss is always best, but if that is too difficult for you, try another flossing method and choose the one you can stick with.

2. Brush

Brush your teeth at least twice a day using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoridated toothpaste to remove plaque and food debris. Angle the bristles 45 degrees toward the gumline when brushing. Then, apply light circular motions along the cheek and tongue sides of your teeth and a back-and-forth motion on the chewing surfaces. Brushing your teeth is more about being thorough than it is about using too much pressure and the wrong technique. Finally, brush or scrape your tongue to remove leftover food or germs.

Below are a few other ways to help amp up your brushing routine

• An electric toothbrush is the most effective method to eliminate plaque and gingivitis, but you don’t have to splurge on an expensive one.
• Brushing too vigorously may wear away tooth enamel, resulting in sensitive teeth and the need for dental work. Instead, focus on proper brushing technique and light pressure.
• Please wait at least half an hour to an hour after consuming acidic meals and drinks before brushing your teeth because tooth enamel can wear away by both the acids and brushing too soon.
• When you can’t brush, thoroughly rinse your mouth with water to restore the pH balance, rinse away food and bacteria, and limit harmful oral health effects.

3. See the Dentist

Ideally, you’ll practice good oral hygiene at home every day and see the dentist twice a year for checkups and cleanings. During these visits, we clean your teeth, which removes stuck-on tartar buildup, and look for any problems that could eventually worsen without treatment. It takes this combination approach to maintain healthy teeth and gums. And the start of a new year is the perfect time to schedule your next visit! That way, you have six months before your next appointment is due.

Family Dentists in Bloomsburg, Danville, and Lewisburg, PA

Committing to your oral health at the beginning of the new year can dramatically impact your mouth and overall well-being. So, get started this year by ensuring you nail the basics to protect your teeth from harmful bacteria. Then, start with a clean slate on day one when you schedule a checkup and cleaning at Hamilton Dental Care by calling (570) 387-0533 or contact us online to request an appointment.