With 2016 upon us, it’s time to reflect on the year that was and what we want to achieve in the year to come. Along with your other new year’s resolutions, why not resolve to make your smile healthier? By shaping up your oral care routine in 2016, you’ll reap the benefits for years to come. Below, we’ve got five effective super simple ways to improve your oral health in the new year and beyond.
1. Schedule two dental checkups this year
As soon as your dental office opens up again in the new year (which may likely be on Monday, January 4th), call and schedule your two regular dental checkups, spaced about 6 months apart. Not sure when they should be? No worries, the receptionist will help figure out when your last appointment was and when your future appointments should be. Changing dentists? Take some time this week to research new dental offices and check with your insurance to see whether you need an in-network provider. Don’t forget to ask family and friends for recommendations!
2. Replace your brush or brush heads every 3-4 months
Out with the old and in with the new! Start the new year off right by buying a new toothbrush or replacement brush heads if you have an electric toothbrush. Then, set reminders for yourself every 3-4 months to buy a new brush or brush heads, which helps ensure your toothbrush is cleaning effectively. Whether you need to load the reminders on your smartphone calendar, the wall calendar or tattoo a reminder on your forearm (kidding!), this is a super simple way to give yourself the cleanest smile in 2016.
3. Floss once per day
Most people don’t floss because they don’t know how to do it properly. No more excuses — we have an easy tutorial right here! Also, not sure which floss to use? We’ve also got you covered. Flossing is essential to removing all of the leftover food debris in your mouth that brushing can’t dislodge, and if it’s not removed it could cause cavities. That’s something you certainly don’t want to deal with in the new year!
4. Find a mouthwash that works for you
Many people toss whichever mouthwash is on sale into their shopping carts, but there’s actually a lot of different formulas on the market. Whether or teeth need extra protection from tartar or you need help fighting halitosis, 2016 should be the year you find which mouthwash is right for you and stick with it.
As you’ve seen, all 4 of these resolutions take very little time and effort to achieve. However, the impact they’ll have on your oral health is enormous, as each one will help keep your mouth cleaner and give bacteria less of a chance to do damage to your teeth and gums. Do you have an oral health resolution that we didn’t mention? Let us know about it below — and Happy New Year!
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