When setting goals for the year ahead, it’s easy to get caught up in the classic resolutions like getting fitter, saving more or kicking that coffee habit – but have you considered one of your most valuable assets, your smile? We’re only given one permanent set of teeth and they need to be cared for. Fortunately, when it comes to oral health, many small steps can result in a great deal of progress – here’s our guide to a healthier smile in 2021!
Improve Your Brushing and Flossing Habits
You’ve likely heard it a hundred times and we’ll say it again – the importance of brushing and flossing cannot be overstated! Brushing your teeth gently and thoroughly, twice a day is essential for reducing plaque and food residue to avoid issues like tooth staining, decay and gum disease. While brushing the tooth’s surface is absolutely essential, the spaces between your teeth are just as important. To improve your overall oral health, you’ll need to remove leftover food and bacteria in between your teeth by gently flossing daily.
Don’t Be a Stranger to the Dentist
It happens to the best of us, life gets in the way and before you know it, it’s been over a year since your last dental appointment. Luckily, it’s never too late to make a change! When it comes to oral health, maintenance is key. In Australia alone, between 2017 and 2018, approximately 72,000 hospitalisations for dental conditions could have been prevented with earlier treatment. Early detection for issues such as gum disease and decay can save you immensely in terms of time, money and discomfort. Although it’s easy to prioritise just about anything before that dental check-up, take a stand this year and book in 6-monthly check-ups, your smile will thank you for it!
Make Better Dietary Decisions
They say that ‘you are what you eat’ for a reason, the food and beverages that you consume have a huge impact on your overall health, including your oral wellbeing. Dietary improvements as simple as cutting down on sugary snacks and fizzy beverages can make a world of difference for your teeth and gums. Highly acidic, carbohydrate-rich snacks and beverages contribute to plaque and tooth decay, so opting for healthier options and brushing after snacking is beneficial! It’s also been found that increasing your fibre-intake is beneficial for oral health, as it reduces plaque and encourages the production of saliva.
Don’t Ignore Your Symptoms
Have you ever experienced the feeling that something just isn’t right but decided to put it off? Whether it’s a toothache, sensitivity or a clicking jaw – it’s time to address that small problem before it becomes something major! Often, minor symptoms will indicate that there is a deeper issue at hand, which should be fixed before it escalates to an emergency. To achieve a healthier smile this year, be mindful of any dental discomfort and try to address it promptly.
If you feel as though you’re experiencing a dental emergency, like a severe toothache, a chipped or broken tooth, infection or a damaged crown or filling, it’s important to act quickly. At Gentle Dental, we’re extensively experienced in dental emergencies and offer same-day appointments and emergency procedures where required.
Invest in Your Smile
If you aren’t fully comfortable with the appearance or functionality of your smile, make 2021 the year that you invest in yourself! When you’re proud of your teeth, you’ll find yourself smiling a whole lot more. Fortunately, there are now so many options available to improve the appearance and functionality of your teeth. Whether it’s Invisalign, bonding, crowns, veneers or dental implants, make this the year that you invest in achieving a smile that you love!
Opt for Safe Whitening Options
When you’ve taken the steps to improve the health of your smile, it’s time to show it off – a glowing smile is always in style! Teeth whitening works by removing intrinsic and surface stains. While there are many over-the-counter options available, dentist-supervised treatments are the recommended option for safe and healthy whitening. At Gentle Dental, we’ve helped thousands of patients achieve a glowing, healthy smile in a safe and comfortable way! Find out more about teeth whitening here.
If there’s one thing we want you to keep in mind, it’s that every small step you take toward improving your dental health is important! At Gentle Dental, we’re here to support you as you improve your dental health in 2021. Contact Us today to book an appointment online, or enquire about our services!
