Start 2022 With a Healthy Smile

Improving Your Oral Health in the New Year

The start of every new year brings the opportunity for a fresh chance to take care of your health — including your dental health. If you’re looking for the best place to get started, our team at Hill Dentistry is here to offer a few ways to protect your teeth and gums.

Brush your teeth at least twice a day.

You may brush your teeth in the morning, but what about at night? You should brush your teeth at least two to three times a day — when you wake up, mid-day, and before bed.

The new year is also a great time to replace your toothbrush and consider using an electric toothbrush to improve your brushing techniques. Don’t forget to brush your tongue, too!

Get back to flossing.

Did you know that your toothbrush is only able to reach 60% of the debris in your mouth? The best way to clean the rest is by flossing. We know that you’ve probably been told how to properly floss your teeth at your visits — but how often do you actually do it? Ideally, it’s best to floss at least once a day to clean debris from your gumline.

If you’ve tried to floss but have stopped because your gums have bled, the key is to keep going. Use a C-shape when flossing and don’t go too far down into your gum line. Over time, your gums will stop bleeding the more you floss.

Reduce your stress levels.

You have probably heard that stress affects your immune system, behavior, and blood pressure, but did you know that stress can also affect your teeth? Long-term stress can have a major impact on your oral health in more ways than one.

For example, stress causes you to overexert the jaw, which can cause jaw disorders like temporomandibular disorder (TMD). It can also cause you to grind your teeth (bruxism) which can wear them down over time.

Cut back on sugar.

Your oral health is tied to your overall wellbeing — and one of the first resolutions many of our patients make is to eat healthier. Cutting back on your sugar is good for your overall health as well as your dental health as it helps to prevent cavities and decay.

Instead, opt for whole foods, plenty of protein, and fresh fruits and vegetables. These foods will help protect the health of your overall body — including your teeth and gums. That means less time at the dentist!

See your dentist regularly.

Lastly, one of the most important ways to keep your smile healthy is to continually see your dentist for cleanings and check-ups. Dr. Hill and the rest of our team at Hill Dentistry will examine your teeth and gums to be sure there are no changes or signs of decay, and if you need additional treatment, we’ll explain your options.

The Hill Dentistry Difference

When you visit Hill Dentistry, you’ll have access to a dentist with over 30 years of experience in dental arts. Dr. Hill loves what he does, and he wants to make sure that you love your smile too.