Start the New Year Right with Five Dental Health Tips for a Healthier Smile in the New Year!

We all know that the start of a new year is the perfect time to form healthy habits. Your oral health is no exception! Simple habits such as replacing your toothbrush quarterly, flossing regularly, and staying consistent with your visits to your Kansas City family dentist can set you up for a healthier smile all year long.

The beginning of a new year is also a time for new resolutions. If your New Year’s resolutions include taking better care of your smile, we’ve got the tips you need to kick off the new year with better dental health! Follow these oral health best practices, and you’ll enjoy a brighter, more confident smile not just this year, but throughout your life!

1. Refresh Your Dental Supplies

A new year is a great time for fresh starts, and that includes your dental supplies! Your toothbrush or electric brush head should be changed every three months. You’ll want to change it more often if the bristles are becoming too frayed. This is also a good time to check your stock of other dental supplies such as toothpaste, dental floss, mouthwash, and more. Whatever you’ve got, make sure it has the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Approval, so you know that you’re getting the best quality.

2. Make Flossing a Daily Habit

While brushing twice a day may be the most important thing you can do to protect your teeth and gums, flossing daily is a close second. Flossing gets to places your toothbrush can’t reach and helps keep your teeth and gums free from plaque and other unwelcome guests. Not everyone takes to flossing right away, though. While flossing daily is the goal, flossing even a few times each week is better than not flossing at all.

3. Stay Hydrated

Staying hydrated is important for your overall health, but it also has surprising benefits for your teeth and gums. Drinking water is a great way to help keep your mouth clean. When you can’t brush, rinsing your mouth with water may be the next best thing. It’s important to drink plenty of water and to avoid sugary energy drinks and sodas, which can not only contribute to tooth decay but may also exacerbate dehydration.

4. Prioritize Your Twice-Annual Dental Visits

You should be seeing your family dentist at least once every six months. This isn’t just because we like to see you—although we do!—but because these regular checkups help us to keep an eye on your teeth and catch issues before they become serious. With regular visits to your dentist, you’ll enjoy a healthier smile and have fewer dental problems in the long run.

5. Customize Your Oral Care Routine

Ultimately, the right oral care routine is the one that works for you. You’ll want to follow a few hard and fast rules—brush twice a day, floss daily, see your Kansas City family dentist twice a year, eat a balanced and nutritious diet, avoid sugary drinks—but there’s also a lot of room to tailor your oral care routine to your lifestyle. When you visit your dentist, ask us about any specific concerns you might have, and we can help you choose the tools and oral care routine that fits your needs!

It may be difficult to believe, but simply committing to these five simple habits in the new year will set you up for a bright, confident smile and better dental health all year long! Blacker Family Dental is here to help you achieve your dental health goals this year and every year. We provide family dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, dental implants, Invisalign treatments, and more! Call (816) 763-8400 or click here to schedule an appointment today!