Our Dentist in Austin Provides Tips on How to Work Towards Your Smile’s Resolutions
We’re no stranger to New Years resolutions, but it’s time to make 2021 the best it can be! That starts with improving our own overall health, which includes our smile. While you may not believe it, there are countless people that have dental resolutions they wish to address. Whether you’re trying to rework your daily dental routine to include more healthy habits or you would like a complete smile makeover, our dentist in Austin is here to assist you in every way possible!
Below, we’ll break down steps whether big or small that will help you on your journey towards an overall healthier smile. Consistency is key!
Growth Starts at Home
One of the most important places to start working towards your goal is at home. You’re ideally only visiting our office twice a year, so during those long stretches of time in between your appointments, your dental care is in your hands. It’s no secret that brushing and flossing are necessary for a healthy smile, but how closely are you following this daily routine? Are there mornings when you’re in a hurry and may have skipped brushing your teeth? Did you forget to floss yesterday? Are you brushing for the full two minutes?
Since consistency is key, it’s important to keep up with brushing and flossing your teeth and gums twice a day, every day. If you fall into a pattern of skipping or forgetting, your dental health is at risk. Try leaving notes or reminders for yourself, whether on your phone or in your bathroom, so you’re less likely to forget. If you have trouble of brushing for at least two minutes, try integrating your favorite song or jingle to make the time go by faster.
When was the last time you changed your toothbrush? If the bristles are aggressively frayed, it’s far past time for a new brush! To ensure an efficient brushing, we recommend changing your toothbrush every three months. Frayed and broken bristles aren’t properly cleaning your teeth and gums as well as a new brush would, so don’t get too attached to an ineffective tool. Be sure to change your toothbrush after you’ve been sick – that harmful bacteria sticks around and can easily get you sick again!
A Healthier Lifestyle
One of the most popular resolutions for the New Year typically have to do with dietary changes. There are many choices that are beneficial but keep an eye on how your new diet affects your smile, as well. If you’re changing your eating habits, like additional healthy snacking throughout the day, you’ll have to also include the number of times you floss. Leaving food particles to sit in between your teeth throughout the day, no matter how healthy they are, put your teeth at risk for cavities and decay. Carry around a pack of floss and ADA approved sugar-free gum to neutralize acids and reduce the build-up of bacteria.
Smile Transformation Services
To begin your journey towards the smile of your dreams, take the first step and schedule a consultation with our dentist in Austin. There are numerous services available, but we must find which one is best suited for your smile. Every patient is different and has their own unique smile, which means your treatment won’t be the same as anyone else’s!
If you’re looking for a brighter smile, there are several teeth whitening options available. From over the counter to in-office treatments, we want your smile to shine! We encourage you to ask all questions you have regarding these different options to see what would give you the most natural-looking results. There are whitening toothpastes that may benefit your teeth, as well.
Have you been thinking about braces, but feel like you’re too old for them? Don’t fear – braces are for patients of all ages! Like we said, everyone’s treatment is different, so we’ll thoroughly discuss what is the best path to align your teeth. Thankfully, there are alternate options like invisible or clear braces that won’t disrupt your professional appearance while also straightening your smile into its proper place.
If you’re missing one or multiple teeth, ask us about replacement options like bridges, dentures, or dental implants. Going long periods of time without filling in those gaps in your smile causes your remaining teeth to shift to fill that space again. This causes a change of facial structure, vulnerable and exposed gums and roots, and more. Ask us about the best tooth replacement procedure for your smile.
The lists go on! There are countless ways to improve your dental health and that’s what we’re here for. Call our dentist in Austin at (512) 291-1666 to schedule an appointment and discuss your resolutions to see how we can give you the smile of your dreams. You’ll be proud to share your smile with friends, family, and even strangers! We can’t wait to start this journey with you.
