Oral Hygiene Resolutions for the New Year
This time of year, we see a lot of patients making New Year’s Resolutions to better themselves and their lives – and we love that. But while many patients are buying new gym memberships or getting their copy of Rosetta Stone, there’s one resolution that often gets forgotten, and it’s especially important for anyone with braces or Invisalign: keeping your teeth healthy through proper oral hygiene. Take heart, though – it’s not as hard as it sounds. Here are a few things you can resolve to do that will greatly increase the health and beauty of your smile – as well as the outcome of your orthodontic treatment!
Brush & Floss Religiously
We can’t stress this point enough. Brushing and flossing are the cornerstones of oral hygiene, and their importance is multiplied by braces and Invisalign. During treatment, it’s critical that you brush every morning, after every meal, and before bed, and floss at least once per day. If flossing with braces really gets on your nerves, try getting special “threader floss” – floss that comes in single-use packets with one end reinforced to be firm, so you can easily thread it under your archwire.
Say No to Sugar
Sugary and carbohydrate-rich foods interact with bacteria in your mouth to form acids that eat away at tooth enamel, and when you have braces or Invisalign, this can accumulate and cause serious problems. Do yourself a favor and stop the problem before it begins by cutting sugary foods out of your diet. It won’t just keep your teeth clean and healthy – this is great for your body as well!
Call it Quits
We all know that smoking is terrible for physical health – but it can also wreak havoc on teeth, Invisalign aligners, and braces. To stop the damage and safeguard your investment, the best choice is to quit. It’s difficult, but it’s possible, and it’ll make a dramatic impact on your oral and overall health. If you’re ready to quit, let us know – we can connect you with resources that’ll make the battle easier.
Contact Your Calgary Orthodontist
Have more questions about keeping your teeth healthy this year? We’re here to help! Feel free to call us at 403-282-7878, reach out to us at our contact page, or use our easy online form to schedule an appointment at our Calgary office. We can’t wait to hear from you, and we hope to see you back at this blog for more tips and info on maintaining a beautiful, healthy smile!
