This New Year, Resolve to Brush Better

The calendar for 2017 is about to expire and give way to 2018. The new year is a time for new beginnings, and no tradition better echos this idea than that of making new year’s resolutions. Resolutions are often lofty and life-changing, however, these types of resolutions are more difficult to implement. Simple lifestyle resolutions can make a big difference! So this new year, resolve to brush your teeth better. This resolution has a number of components — technique, frequency, time — but it’s a simple, manageable way to improve your oral health. You may be surprised by the difference it makes.

Brush More Frequently in the New Year

It’s easy to fall behind on your teeth brushing regimen. Like any sort of routine, missing a cleaning here or there gives you permission to brush less frequently over time, and eventually you’ve fallen out of your good habits. The new year is the perfect time to reset and start brushing more frequently. Brushing at least twice a day is best. If you’re already doing that, try adding a brushing session after meals to keep any food from settling in between teeth.

Resolve to Brush Your Teeth More Thoroughly

Just as important as the frequency with which you brush your teeth is how thoroughly you brush them. If it only takes you forty-five seconds to brush your teeth, you’re not being thorough enough. You want to make sure you’re giving adequate time to each surface of your teeth throughout your mouth. If you leave any plaque untouched, it will grow and fortify over time.

This New Year, Pay Attention to How You Brush

This last component relates both of the previous two. This year, pay close attention to how you are brushing your teeth each time you brush. When teeth brushing becomes just another thing you do before bed without thinking about it, you won’t be as thorough. Focusing on reaching the gum line and touching every surface of your teeth will help.

Enhance Your Brushing Practice with Regular Visits to the Dentist

Of course brushing is just part of the process. In order to keep up with your oral health completely, you need to make regular trips to the dentist for cleanings and exams. If you don’t have an appointment on the books right now, it’s time to make one! Contact Dr. Carter and the Elm Creek Dental team in Maple Grove, MN at 763-416-0606 to make an appointment today.