Blog Layout

3 Easy Resolutions for Better Oral Health

Michael Wahl • Dec 30, 2019

The new year is always a fresh slate and a great opportunity to make new, realistic habits. Are you ready to make some resolutions or better oral health? We’ve got 3 simple and easy resolutions you can make that will make an impact on your oral health!

Use Toothpaste with Fluoride

One of the most effective changes you can make is from a toothpaste without fluoride to one with fluoride. There is almost no more effort needed from you for more effective results! Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that helps build and rebuild your hard enamel protecting your teeth. Regularly brushing with fluoride reduces your risk of tooth decay.

Brush and Floss Twice Daily

This is classic oral health advice that you’ll hear from us often. The best way to care for your teeth is to regularly maintain them. Carve out 5 min twice a day to brush thoroughly for 2 whole minutes, and floss between all your teeth. If you haven’t ever been taught, here’s a thorough explanation for how to care for your teeth well. Not sure you’re doing it right? Ask your hygienist or dentist to check your form at your next appointment.

Avoid Dry Mouth

Saliva has such an important role in our oral health. Saliva works to: remineralize your teeth, clear away bacteria and food debris, heal wounds, and ease pain.  Some medications or dehydration can reduce your saliva production. If you’re struggling with dry mouth, take steps to change it! Ask your doctor if it is possible switch up medications if dry mouth is a side effect. Commit to drinking more water on a regular basis. After meals chew gum to freshen your breath and increase saliva production to help clear food from your mouth and between your teeth.

 

Of course, there are many ways you can take control of your oral health. If you already have these down, consider discussing with your dentist or hygienist whether there’s something more you personally can do. For this blog, we wanted to keep it simple and focus on three easy resolutions that can improve anyone’s oral health. If you have any questions about these recommendations or something else, please reach out. We love being a part of educating our patients about their oral health.

By Michael Wahl 01 Sep, 2020
Your teeth are not a tool. Ok, you might argue that your teeth ARE a tool for helping break down your food, clearly articulate words, and supporting your facial bone structure. And, you’d be right on those counts. What we mean here is a more basic idea of tool- an inanimate item which helps you… Continue Reading 6 Dumb Ways to Lose Your Teeth The post 6 Dumb Ways to Lose Your Teeth appeared first on West One Family Dental.
By Michael Wahl 25 Aug, 2020
If you listen to an oral care specialist for a hot minute, you’re likely to hear all about fluoride. Fluoride is the go-to preventative tool recommended by Amercian Dental Association. And with good reason! The introduction of fluoride has revolutionized oral health. However, it does have some downsides. Too much fluoride can lead to fluorosis,… Continue Reading Is Nano Hydroxyapatite a Safe, Effective, Fluoride Alternative? The post Is Nano Hydroxyapatite a Safe, Effective, Fluoride Alternative? appeared first on West One Family Dental.
By Michael Wahl 18 Aug, 2020
When you think of all the negative impacts of poor oral health, it can be easy to get aggressive with your brushing. Plaque build-up become tartar and can cause gum disease. Gum disease can lead to tooth loss and increases your risk of other more serious health problems. Plaque & tartar cause bad breath, dental… Continue Reading Are you Brushing Too Hard? The post Are you Brushing Too Hard? appeared first on West One Family Dental.
By Michael Wahl 11 Aug, 2020
While you may not think about it, oral health and mental health are surprisingly interlinked. Negative oral health can have an impact on your mental health, just like poor mental heath has a negative effect on oral health. Let’s look closer at this interconnected relationship and consider some takeaways. Poor Oral Health’s Impact on Mental… Continue Reading Mental Health & Oral Health: How They Impact One Another The post Mental Health & Oral Health: How They Impact One Another appeared first on West One Family Dental.
By Michael Wahl 28 Jul, 2020
It’s late, after a long day. You’re probably ready to flop into bed and pass out. Sometimes after a long day of work, meticulous dental hygiene is at the bottom of your list. And we get it! Maybe you’ve often made the choice to skip mouthwash in favor of a quicker routine. But there are… Continue Reading Benefits of Using Mouthwash The post Benefits of Using Mouthwash appeared first on West One Family Dental.
By Michael Wahl 21 Jul, 2020
Do you find yourself popping breath mints or gum in your mouth constantly? If you struggle with halitosis, or bad breath, there could be an underlying issue that needs to be addressed. We’ve covered common bad breath cures here. Start with these common solutions, but if you’re still plagued by bad breath, it’s time to… Continue Reading Is Your Bad Breath A Symptom of a Serious Issue? The post Is Your Bad Breath A Symptom of a Serious Issue? appeared first on West One Family Dental.
By Michael Wahl 14 Jul, 2020
Tooth decay is a rampant issue among Americans. More than half of adolescents have at least one cavity. Cavities are the most common chronic disease for children 6-19. 9 out of 10 adults have tooth decay. Most of the attention to this issue focuses on diet as the main culprit. While diet is important, new… Continue Reading Is Black Mold the Real Cause of Your Tooth Decay? The post Is Black Mold the Real Cause of Your Tooth Decay? appeared first on West One Family Dental.
By Michael Wahl 07 Jul, 2020
So, you’ve had a tooth extracted. There are many reasons why this may have been the right choice, as you can read about in our blog from last week. You can have a huge impact on how well your mouth heals and your pain levels by caring for your tooth extraction site. While not every… Continue Reading Extractions, Part 2: Caring for the Extraction Site The post Extractions, Part 2: Caring for the Extraction Site appeared first on West One Family Dental.
By Michael Wahl 01 Jul, 2020
Teeth are an incredible asset. While we may be biased as dental professionals, take a minute to consider the usefulness of having your teeth! (Or, check out our blog here about the hazards of going without teeth!) However, there are times when the best decision for your health is to extract a tooth. Let’s take… Continue Reading What You Should Know About Tooth Extractions Part 1 The post What You Should Know About Tooth Extractions Part 1 appeared first on West One Family Dental.
By Michael Wahl 23 Jun, 2020
In many of our discussions of oral health we emphasize the importance of brushing and flossing all sides of your teeth. But what if you begin to notice that your tongue is looking different? Did you know that brushing your teeth should include a semi-regular brushing of your tongue as well? Your tongue can become… Continue Reading Common Tongue Issues and What They Mean The post Common Tongue Issues and What They Mean appeared first on West One Family Dental.
More Posts
Share by: