If you’re a resolution setter, your health is probably on your list of improvements for the year ahead. Although your resolutions might focus on losing weight or managing bad habits, it’s sometimes easy to forget to include something for your oral health.
Your smile is a key part of your appearance, and your dental health can impact your general well-being. Caring for your smile improves your self-esteem and helps you stay healthy.
So, this year, why not make some resolutions to change a few things about your oral health? Although many cosmetic treatments could help you reimagine your smile, there are lots of subtle changes you can make to give it a brighter, healthier appearance.
Here are some of the things you can do in the year ahead to improve your relationship with your smile.
1. Improve Your Hygiene Routine
Tooth decay and gum disease are both caused by bacteria. There are countless bacteria in our mouths, some helpful, while others pose a risk. You cannot completely rid yourself of the bad bacteria, but you can manage it through good oral hygiene.
You probably already brush your teeth twice daily, but the daily grind can mean it’s hard to concentrate on this repetitive task, and some parts of your mouth won’t get the full attention required.
Go back to basics this year. Start setting a two-minute timer when you brush in the morning and practice mindful brushing. Once you’ve brushed, don’t forget to floss!
2. Replace Your Toothbrush
How often do you change your toothbrush or electric toothbrush head? If you’re waiting until the bristles are all bent out of shape, you’re leaving it too long. At this point, your brush is no longer effective.
You should change your toothbrush every two to three months or when the bristles start to wear. When buying a new toothbrush, opt for softer bristles, as these are effective for cleaning but won’t damage your teeth.
While shopping for a new toothbrush, it’s also worth checking that you’re using the best toothpaste. Although there are lots of types of toothpaste, the important factor is the fluoride content. Higher fluoride content will do more to protect your dental enamel and prevent cavities.
3. Quit Bad Habits
You probably already know that smoking, drinking too many sugary soft drinks, and eating lots of sweet foods can impact your oral health. This year, try to cut down or cut out the harmful habits from your life.
4. Visit Us for Checkups More Often
It’s easy to forget about visiting us for a dental checkup when your teeth look and feel okay. But there’s a good reason that we recommend seeing us twice a year.
A thorough dental examination helps us spot the early signs of decay, gum disease, and oral cancer. We can spot thinning enamel, cavities forming, receding gums, deteriorating jawbones, and more. The earlier we spot issues, the easier it is to treat them.
5. Book a Hygiene Treatment
At-home hygiene is vital. But our dental hygienist has the skills and tools to give you a deep clean that removes tartar and restores your smile. Not only this, but our hygienist will also provide you with support and advice on maintaining your healthy smile.
6. Fix Your Teeth With Composite Bonding
Chips, cracks, and other imperfections might seem like cosmetic problems, but they could leave your teeth at risk of infection. Repairing damaged teeth will not only prevent bacterial infections but also help restore your relationship with your smile.
Composite bonding is a simple procedure that restores damaged teeth and gives your smile a mini makeover. The treatment is customisable, painless, and short. The process uses tooth-coloured composite resin to rebuild and reshape your teeth. We’ll sculpt the resin perfectly before using a special light to harden and bond it in place.
7. Straighten Your Smile With Invisalign
Crooked, gappy, and misaligned teeth don’t just make you feel self-conscious about your smile; they can also impact your oral health. Orthodontic issues can make it challenging to clean your teeth fully, increasing the risk of decay and gum disease.
Teeth straightening with Invisalign is simple and discreet. Wearing removable clear aligners every day will gradually reposition your teeth. The process is so discreet that most people won’t even notice you’re wearing an aligner.
8. Brighten Your Smile With Teeth Whitening
If you have dull, discoloured, or even stained teeth, brushing can only do so much to restore the shine. Teeth whitening is a straightforward way to bring back the sparkle. We use Enlighten, a professional at-home treatment that lightens your smile to the most natural shade of white possible.
The treatment takes around three weeks and involves wearing trays with whitening gels every evening. We’ll assess your teeth and guide you through this safe process.
Improve Your Smile With The Row
Whatever your oral health goals in the new year, we’re here to help. With a full range of general and cosmetic treatments available, we’ll ensure your smile is healthy and looks great.
Contact us today to book your next consultation.
