2023’s New Year’s Resolution – A Healthier and Brighter Smile

Let’s welcome in the New Year with a brighter and healthier smile! Did you know that your dental health is closely linked to your overall health? So, add taking care of your teeth to your New Year’s resolution list. Studies have found that bacteria that cause gum disease may play a role in other health issues like heart disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis and respiratory disease. By simply incorporating these easy tips and regular dental checkups you can detect and treat issues before they become more serious. So, let’s kick start 2023 with healthy habits that will ensure you have a beautiful smile for years to come!

Follow the 2-2-2 Rule

Our Calgary dental professionals recommend you follow the 2-2-2 rule, this means you should brush your teeth twice a day, for two minutes each session and schedule a dental visit twice a year. Studies have shown that the longer you brush, the more plaque and bacteria you remove. Incorporating this easy-to-remember technique will make a huge change in your dental health and following this rule will help you and your family create lifelong healthy habits.

Avoid Sugary Drinks and Foods

We often hear our dentist warn about how sugar can cause tooth decay. There is a lot of truth in this as the leading cause of cavities is linked to sugary foods. The bacteria in our mouth react with sugar molecules and creates acid, if this acid is not removed, it dissolves your tooth’s enamel, this is the first stage of tooth decay. To avoid this, our Chinook Mall Family Dental experts recommend avoiding sugary foods and drinks, however, this does not mean you have to give it up completely. Just remember to enjoy it in moderation and make sure you brush your teeth after, if that is not possible, rinse your mouth with water until you can properly brush your teeth again!

Floss at Least Once a Day

Flossing every day can reduce the chances of gum disease, gingivitis and tooth decay. Flossing helps to remove particles and debris your toothbrush might miss, it targets those hard-to-reach areas in your mouth we often forget about, like the areas between your teeth and gum line. Studies have found that you have a 20% higher chance of developing heart disease if you have gum disease. Regular flossing also helps prevent your gums from bleeding, while reducing the chances of tooth and bone loss.

Use the Right Tools

You don’t need a scaler, mouth mirror or any fancy dental tools to keep your teeth clean. In fact, as long as you properly brush and floss your teeth consistently you should be good! However, we are all unique and have different dental needs. Our Calgary Dentists recommend finding a toothbrush that fits your needs. Choosing the right toothbrush can be intimidating with so many options, if you are overwhelmed by all the choices, we recommend you check out our blog on “How to Choose the Right Toothbrush”. Additionally, you can invest in a tongue scraper. Tongue scrapers help remove excess bacteria that builds up on your tongue better than a brush can, tongue scrapers also remove bacteria that causes bad breath.

Visit Your Calgary Dentist Regularly

At Chinook Mall Family Dental, we recommend scheduling two dental checkups every year or one every six months. The best way to prevent dental issues is to stop them in their tracks. Your Calgary dentist will be able to detect any issues before they become a more serious problem. If you haven’t been scheduling your dental checkups and cleanings now is a great time to start. Most dental insurance plans and workplace benefits refresh in the New Year, so come on down to Chinook Mall Family Dental and schedule an appointment today!

We can’t wait to welcome you back to our Calgary dental clinic! Start 2023 with a brighter and healthier smile. We offer a wide array of services at Chinook Mall Family Dental, from teeth whitening to teeth cleanings, family dentistry, extractions, wisdom teeth removals, sedation dentistry and much more! Don’t delay that dental appointment any longer, call us at 403.252.7711 or contact us online to schedule your next dental visit and check off another item on your New Year’s resolution list!