Many New Year’s Resolutions fall by the wayside by Valentine’s Day–but they don’t have to! Choosing a simple and effective resolution can be the key to positive change. Why don’t you start with your smile? Let’s review some basics of oral hygiene that you can resolve to do in 2018.
Brush: Many of us brush our teeth every day. But do you brush your teeth TWICE a day, for 2 full minutes each time? If not, try setting reminders, or even a timer! Some people find it helpful to set a 30-second timer for each quadrant of the mouth, in order to ensure a great clean. Place the brush at a 45* angle to gums, and use short, tooth-wide strokes to gently remove plaque and debris from teeth.
Floss: Make sure that you floss every day! This should only take about 2-3 minutes per day, but it is vital to the total continuity of oral health. Mouthwash is not a substitute for flossing. Flossing cleans teeth where your toothbrush cannot reach, like in between teeth and behind your back molars. It is especially recommended if you have dental restorations such as bridges; and if you have traditional braces. These can be perfect traps for food and bacteria in which regular brushing cannot be reached. There are several types and brands on the market, even flavored! We recommend ANY AND ALL, but just FLOSS!!
Be sure to listen to our instructions for cleaning your smile every day. For more information, call RiverLake Family Dental in Sacramento, California, at 916-422-1823. Dr. Garland and our team are happy to help you and your smile!