Wichita Dentist – 2018 Starts with a Smile and that Smile Starts with Wichita Family Dental
Simple Resolutions for Beginning a Happy and Healthy New Year: January 2018
At Wichita Family Dental, we believe in helping our patients obtain and maintain a beautiful smile AND keeping them educated on the preventative measures that will ensure those smiles remain happy and healthy for years to come.
As we start out 2018, Wichita Family Dental couldn’t think of a better resolution than keeping your smile in tip-top condition. Below, our family has come up with five easy resolutions that will keep you smiling well into the next New Year!
1.) Treat yourself: Go and buy that shiny new toothbrush you’ve been unconsciously **putting off** dreaming about. Not sure what to buy? Here are our tips for picking out the correct toothbrush:
Soft Bristles: Our Hygienists agree that soft-bristled brushes are best for removing plaque and debris from your teeth and along the gum line.
Comfort: Size and shape are personal preference. Pick whichever is most comfortable for you. Our Hygienists note that the best toothbrush is the one that fits your mouth and allows you to reach all teeth with ease.
Regular versus powered brushes: Regular toothbrushes get the job done just fine and have been around for centuries. On the other hand, powered toothbrushes are fun and may remove more plaque. Powered brushes can also make brushing easier. Again, we recommend you choose whichever is comfortable for you and fits your budget.
BONUS TIP: The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that you replace your toothbrush approximately every three to four months, or sooner if the bristles are frayed.
2.) Be the Boss of Floss. The American Dental Association (2016) states that cleaning between the teeth with floss and other interdental tools is an important oral hygiene practice. This daily habit, in conjunction with regular cleanings and tooth brushing, has been shown to disrupt and remove plaque (Manchir, 2016). Need to work on your flossing technique? Below are some quick tips.
– Wind 18” of floss around middle fingers of each hand. Pinch floss between thumbs and index fingers, leaving a 1”- 2” length between. Use thumbs to direct floss between upper teeth.
– Keep a 1” – 2” length of floss taut between fingers. Use index fingers to guide floss between contacts of the lower teeth.
– Gently guide floss between teeth by using a zigzag motion. Gently wrap the floss around the side of the tooth.
– Slide floss up and down against tooth surface and under the gum line. Floss each tooth thoroughly with a clean section of floss.
3.) Remember: 2x a day for 2 minutes. Also, don’t forget to brush your tongue! Need some brushing up (pun intended)? Below are some quick tips for getting the most out of your brushing.
Find the right toothpaste. The brand should be ADA approved and address your particular oral challenges. These include but aren’t limited to bad breath, teeth whitening, and tooth sensitivity. You might also pay special attention to tartar control and fluoride. The ADA has found that the active ingredient ‘pyrophosphate’ in tartar control toothpaste reduces the buildup of tartar by 36%. The ADA also notes that fluoride is key to a healthy smile. It speeds up the growth of the new surface by bringing calcium and phosphate ions together and it is also preferentially incorporated into the re-mineralized surface.
Time yourself when you brush your teeth. The simple act of brushing for 2 minutes, 2 times a day is what preserves your teeth and keeps them strong. Do your kids find brushing tedious? Download a brushing app! Try Brush DJ which plays songs from your personally selected playlist for exactly two minutes. The app is available for both iOS and Android devices.
Don’t neglect your gums. The ADA has found that more than 75% of American Adults have some degree of gum disease. With that being said, only 60% of adults have any significant knowledge about the problem. Flossing frequently and gently brushing your teeth on a regular basis will help to remove anything that can irritate your gums and cause bad breath.
4.) A Soda a Day Keeps the Dentist… Busy. So kick the sugary beverages and snacks and choose healthier options for you and your family.
5.) Keep on top of your regularly scheduled and recommended appointments. Schedule an appointment with one of your favorite Wichita Family Dental Hygienists today. Call our office at 316-630-9339 or book online.
** Don’t forget to discuss whitening/Invisalign treatments with your doctor or hygienist and inquire about any current promotions.
Call Our Office at (316) 630-9339 Today!
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