When it comes to new year’s resolutions, we know that keeping them is tough. Changing your diet and lifestyle habits is easier said than done, but it’s important to take proactive steps in being healthier if you truly want to have a better 2017. When it comes to your teeth and gums, Martinez Orthodontics wants to remind you to take care of your mouth before, during and after treatment. Whether you’re a child with braces or an adolescent or adult wearing Invisalign, oral care is at the forefront of having the best possible treatment.
Below you’ll find five tips and resolutions you can keep to ensure your oral care stays in tip-top shape this 2017:
Keep Up With Regular Dental & Orthodontist Appointments
New year, new you! If it’s been awhile since you’ve visited your dentist, make that call today! Around one-third of people in the US don’t visit their dentist regularly and it can hurt your oral health big time! For examples, cavities that aren’t filled in an efficient manner can only get larger, more painful and more expensive to repair. Orthodontist visits are just as important to ensure your treatment is progressing as planned.
Try to book your next appointment while you’re at the office for your current one, and ask your receptionist if they send out reminders. Also, put it in your calendar while you’re at the office so you’re sure to remember.
Eat More Healthy Foods
When it comes to this resolution, it can be tough! Avoiding foods that are high in sugar, such as cookies, candies, and fast food, can help improve your oral and overall health. Substitute your unhealthy cravings with foods that are high in calcium and fiber, as these can help increase saliva levels in your mouth and scrub away that harmful plaque.
Colgate put together a great list of teeth-friendly foods, that you can use as a starting point. Be sure to check it out!
Flossing is Your Best Friend
We cannot emphasize the importance of flossing enough! Dr. Martinez always tells patients to ensure that they’re not only brushing twice a day to remove bits of food and plaque from your teeth, but also flossing at least once a day. Whether you use traditional floss, or threaders to help get in between your braces, it’s critical to incorporate into your routine.
Keep floss in your purse or desk drawer at work so that you always have it. There’s nothing worse than having debris stuck in your teeth all day!
Cut Back On Sugar
There’s a direct link between tooth decay and how much sugar a person intakes, so it’s best to kick the habit as soon as possible! Make a list of healthy foods before going to the grocery store, and have a healthy lunch beforehand. That way you’ll be motivated to stuff your pantry with healthy options. Besides, you’ll save much more money in the long run if you bring your lunch to work and cook dinner at home.
Contact Your Local Cincinnati Orthodontist Today!
If you have any questions about how to improve the health of your teeth, or about orthodontic treatment in general, we’d be happy to help. We’re proud to serve patients of all ages in Cincinnati, Mack and Bridgetown, OH. Please contact our Cincinnati office at (513) 598-2564 and one of our staff members would be happy to assist you. We look forward to servicing you soon, and can’t wait to give you a beautiful smile!