A New Year gives you the chance to renew your goals and refresh your life, so why not start with your dental care? Bolstering your daily oral hygiene routine can prevent gum disease and improve your self-confidence. Here are three dental New Year’s resolutions, and how a new change of pace can improve your smile. 

Tips for Enhancing Your Dental Health in 2020

1. Perfect Your Brushing & Flossing Technique

Performing these tasks effectively is crucial to preventing plaque, tartar, and gum disease. To avoid gum abrasions, use a brush with soft bristles, and place it at a 45-degree angle facing your gums. Move the toothbrush back and forth in short strokes, and focus on applying light pressure. Brush all surfaces thoroughly, and don’t forget about the backside of the molars.

When you floss, hold the strand tightly between two fingers and gently slide it between the teeth. Pull the string to the side, creating a C-shape around the tooth’s crown. Then, use a gentle back-and-forth motion to sweep away plaque.

2. Quit Smoking

Smokers are more than six times as likely as non-smokers to develop gum disease. This habit exposes the mouth to several toxins and stark temperature changes that reduce salivary flow.

Saliva is essential for rinsing away food particles and neutralizing plaque acids. Smokers can also develop keratosis, a condition marked by thickened oral tissues and reduced blood flow to the teeth and gums, resulting in tooth loss.

3. Manage Stress More Effectively

People who are under stress may clench or grind their teeth more frequently. Grinding your teeth may cause them to chip and fracture, which can lead to oral discomfort, lacerations, and decay. If you clench or grind your teeth as a cause of stress, ask a dentist for a custom mouthguard to lessen the pressure and friction.

To manage stress, focus on taking time for yourself, getting enough sleep, and exercising. These simple activities will help you relax and cope with emotions. Work with a therapist if your stress levels interfere with your everyday life, such as your ability to eat nutritiously, rest, and work.

If you want a brighter and more beautiful smile in 2020, turn to Aina Haina Dental Group, Inc., on Oahu, HI. These professionals have helped their patients maintain their oral health since 1976 by providing routine exams, thorough cleanings, and preventative treatments. Visit their website to find out how their cosmetic procedures can enhance your smile, or call (808) 373-2184 to schedule an appointment.