Whole-Body Health Resolutions

Ring in the New Year with a fresh commitment to your whole-body health.

Before we get down to recommended resolutions, ask yourself these questions (and be brutally honest with your answers!):

How often are you brushing?

If you’re brushing your teeth twice a day (or more), you’re on top of it. Bravo! Here at SLO Smiles, we recommend taking the time to brush your teeth after every meal to remove food and plaque trapped between your teeth and gums. It might sound funny, but scrub your tongue as well. Why? The truth is your tongue can be home to bacteria, and needs to be cleaned just like your teeth.

What are you brushing with?

If you’re not using an electric or battery-powered toothbrush yet, make 2019 your year to upgrade. Both of these types of toothbrushes are effective at reducing gingivitis and plaque above and beyond manual brushing. In terms of maintenance, be sure to replace your toothbrush heads every 3-4 months. If you see the bristles begin to fray, make it earlier.

How much time do you spend brushing?

Brushing for two minutes each session is ideal. Making this healthy habit a part of your daily routine will lead to better breath, fewer cavities, and can help avoid uncomfortable dental issues down the road.

Do you floss?

If that’s a yes, fantastic! Good for you. Seriously. Flossing is tough for many people. If that’s a no, you’ve just identified a helpful resolution to shake up your 2019 for the better.

While you’ve heard this before, it’s well worth a friendly reminder…

Flossing at least once a day is good for your whole-body health. Flossing removes food and harmful plaque that your toothbrush just can’t access. Carry floss with you and make it a habit to floss after eating. You can do it!

When is the last time you saw a dentist?

Here at SLO Smiles, our friendly San Luis Obispo dental experts recommend scheduling a dental appointment every 6 months. Call (805) 541-0550 today and we’ll calendar your appointment at a date and time convenient for you!

Here’s why seeing a dentist regularly makes a difference to you:

Our experienced San Luis Obispo dentists can detect gum disease symptoms earlier if you see them regularly. Treating symptoms before they become more painful or hazardous to your health is always a smart choice. Plus, professional cleaning removes tartar, which is something you can’t exactly do from home. Regular cleanings will also remove any stubborn plaque you might have missed when brushing or flossing. If you happen to already have gingivitis, consistent professional cleanings can even help reverse it!

Onto even more recommended resolutions to make your life better and brighter in 2019:

Start simple. These 3 goals are easy to follow up on:

1. Choose fluoride toothpaste

Overwhelmed by the seemingly endless choices in the toothpaste aisle? Look for the ADA seal of approval AND take a peek at the ingredients. You’ll want to choose toothpaste with fluoride. Beyond that, brand and flavor is totally up to you.

2. Use the right mouthwash

A quality mouthwash has the power to reduce plaque, prevent or reduce gingivitis, and even reduce the speed that tarter develops. Rinsing with mouthwash will also help remove food particles from your mouth (but is still no substitute for brushing or flossing!). Just like toothpaste shopping, you’ll want to look for the ADA seal for safe and effective options.

3. Chew sugarless gum.

Did you know that chewing sugarless gum for 20-minutes following meals could actually help prevent tooth decay? It’s true! Doesn’t get much easier than that.

Now, these two are tougher, but we believe you can:
If you’re a smoker…

Stop smoking
You know tobacco isn’t great for you. Your San Luis Obispo dentists agree. There’s no better time to quit than right now. We care about you, which is why we have to get real about a few facts:

• Smoking is proven to weaken your immune system
• Smoking is strongly associated with gum disease
• Smoking makes it tougher for damaged gums to heal

If there’s room for improvement in your diet…

Make healthier nutrition choices

What you eat and drink can lead to tooth decay. Here’s a quick list of foods and beverages to avoid:

Soda (it’s just sugary and not-so-good for you…even the “diet” kind)

Sticky candies (think caramels and toffee)

Crunchy chips and crackers (they often get stuck between teeth and are tough to remove.)

Feeling bummed out about that list? Here are healthy replacements:

Make the decision to prioritize your whole-body health this year. Outline a specific list of goals for the New Year and practice commitment. Establishing routines can be incredibly helpful to sticking with your resolutions. Know that the caring team at SLO Smiles is here to help. Start by calling (805) 541-0550 to book your appointment today.