January is the month of resolutions and the return to healthy dental habits. We are all in the same boat; during the Holidays, we are less prone to maintaining the sane habits we normally observe regarding our dental hygiene in order to keep our teeth healthy. And it is totally normal! As our daily routine often gets modified, we tend to lose track of what we normally do as we have many other things to keep our head busy, such as buying gifts, planning invitations, cooking etc. Without skipping brushing our teeth, we may skip flossing and not necessarily brush our teeth systematically after each meal. The time has now come to get back into it!
- Brushing our teeth after each meal
When we eat, some residue find their way in between and on our teeth. The longer we wait for rinsing and brushing our teeth, the greater the chances are those deposit turn into plaque, cavities or tartar. Thus, it becomes essential to find a correct balance at work and at home where when find ourselves comfortable. Thinking about flossing every day would also be a good thing. Dental floss can also help dislodging food that may get trapped in between your teeth or that may be too far for your toothbrush bristles to reach.
- Bring along a toothbrush wherever you go
It is easy to carry a toothbrush with you and leave it handy for a daily use. For example, in the car, in a drawer at work, in a handbag. The more accessible it is, the more encline you will get to use it often! Also, it would be wise wrapping around the toothbrush’s head preventing the buildup of undesired bacterias.
- Drinking a lot of water
This is no longer a secret, drinking water is important at all times. It is good for the body, digesting properly, hydration and also to keep a healthy mouth. Exempt of water and acidity, warer is the fluid of choice to drink throughout the day. It can also entirely rince our mouth when we have just eaten a meal and where we would find ourself impossible to brush our teeth immediately.
- Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol
Alcohol and tobacco are nocive for your mouth’s good health. That is why it is important to avoid consuming them as much as you can. If you drink or smoke, be aware of the impact it may have on your teeth and periodontium. If you drink alcohol, which often contains sugar, try to rince your mouth carefully or, at best, brush your teeth after each drink.
- Eat healthy food
Sugars and acids contained in the food that we eat are bad for our teeth. That is why it is preferable to choose food that contain no added sugar. It is recommended to consume dairy products for the calcium they contain, which will help build stronger enamel on your teeth. Nuts and grains are also something to consider whenever we feel hungry for a snack! They contain a great quantity of vitamins, folic acid, fibres calcium and proteins, making them the ideal snack for your teeth. Cocoa is also a great choice because it contains an ingredient that helps reducing the dissolubility of your enamel. Finally, eating raw fruits and vegetables can really make a difference in having a healthy mouth. They are food that can effectively stimulate the secretion of saliva in the mouth, which will help level the acidity present in your mouth.
