Most of us know we should brush and floss daily, eat a sensible diet, and see our dentist in Harrisburg for regular visits. But it’s also important to know how to do these things with an eye towards effectiveness. Otherwise we might miss out on benefits we could otherwise enjoy. With that in mind, here are some tips for fine-tuning these essential habits. Use them to give yourself the winning edge when it comes to your teeth and gums.
Four Keys to Better Brushing
Brushing is one of those tasks where the little details add up to a big difference. Here are four ways to up your game:
- Brush all sides of your teeth: front, back, and chewing surfaces.
- Brush for at least two full minutes. Using a timer is a good idea.
- Use a soft bristle toothbrush and a toothpaste with the ADA seal of acceptance on the packaging.
- Do you have sensitive teeth? Try a low-abrasive brand or ask your dentist for a recommendation.
Flossing Is Fundamental
Even the most diligent brushing can never remove all of the plaque and food particles in and between your teeth. That’s why dentists spend so much time urging their patients to floss.
If you have trouble fitting floss string between your teeth, then you might want to use a water stream flossing device. An interdental toothbrush is an alternative to flossing that offers the same benefits.
Eat a Sensible Diet
Like the other tips in this post, this is sometimes easier said than done. Nutrition is a complex topic, one which we cannot cover thoroughly in this post. However, we can recommend the following tips:
- Aim for variety in your food choices. Your body needs not only protein but healthy unsaturated fats, complex carbs, fiber, vitamins, and minerals in order to function properly.
- Try substituting fresh fruit or sugar-free-products for your favorite sugary desserts. You may soon find that you prefer them to your traditional choices. That’s because many of our dietary preferences come from simple repetition. In other words, we don’t eat what we like; we like what we eat.
- Beware of fad diets, which promise quick weight loss at the cost of sound nutrition. It’s better to lose weight gradually; that way you’re more likely to keep it off.
Schedule Your Dental Appointments Now
If you’re like most of us, you’ve got plenty to keep you busy. With so much going on, it’s easy to forget priorities like scheduling dental appointments; so why not schedule them now? That way you won’t have to worry about doing it later. A good rule of thumb is to see your dentist every six months, more often if you’re at greater risk of cavities.
Dental care is one of the smartest investments any of us can make. Lets the tips in this post guide you as you work to make 2019 your healthiest year yet tooth-wise. In the years to come you’ll look back and smile at what you’ve accomplished.
About the Author
Dr. Gary Klein earned his DDS degree from the NYU College of Dentistry and served his residency at Allentown’s Lehigh Valley Hospital. You can reach his office online or by calling (717) 652-6644.