Make the most out of 2022 with help from our Elmhurst dentists

Written by Dr. Scharfenberg on Jan 4, 2022

If you’re like many people, the start of a new year is a time when you set resolutions and try to make some positive changes in your life. If one of your resolutions for 2022 is to improve your oral health, our Elmhurst dentists have some tips that can help you get started on the right foot. Keep reading to learn more!

We’ve put together three simple tips to jump-start your oral health journey…

  1. Wait to brush

While it is essential for you to brush your teeth in order to maintain oral health, it does sometimes matter when, exactly your brush. Specifically, you should try not to brush your smile for about twenty to thirty minutes after you finish eating or drinking (anything other than water). Dental enamel is actually temporarily softened when it comes into contact with acidic foods or drinks. We recommend that you give your enamel time to re-mineralize before you manually clean your smile.

  1. Carry a water bottle

Drinking more water will boost your oral health and your overall wellbeing, all at once! Some patients find it is helpful to carry a water bottle throughout the day. This ensures that they always have access to water, and it serves as a subtle reminder to hydrate.

By increasing your water consumption, you support saliva production, which is essential for a healthy smile. Additionally, the act of drinking water dislodges dental debris and bacteria.

  1. Stop chomping

While we often add resolutions into our routine at this time of year, it can be just as a powerful to eliminate some unhealthy habits. Chewing on hard candies, ice, and mints can create micro-cracks and chips in your dental enamel. Over time these small flaws become more severe and extensive. Stay vigilant about protecting your natural tooth structure!

With just a few simple lifestyle tweaks you can resolve to have a healthier, happier smile in 2022. If you want to learn more you can always call our Elmhurst dental office for support. We look forward to speaking with you!