With the end of 2020 rapidly approaching many of us are already looking towards 2021 with excitement. As you look at the new year ahead we wanted to put together a list of dental best practices to serve as a guide to help you build a great dental routine and ensure good oral health in the year to come.

Brush Twice A Day

This is the age old saying, but that’s because it’s the truth. In order to give yourself the best chance at a healthy mouth you should be brushing your teeth at least twice a day. Each brushing should take about two minutes and be sure to get both the inside and outside.

Floss Daily

Adding flossing into your daily routine is another great way to prevent gum disease and help ensure good overall health. Flossing tends to be one of the first things to go in a daily routine as schedules become rushed or you’re just over-tired and ready for bed. However, we’ve curated some great tips on ways to make flossing easier and we hope you’ll add this to your to do list for the year.

Don’t Forget Your Tongue

Another often overlooked place in the mouth is the tongue. It’s always good to give it a regular brush plaque can buildup on the surface causing bad breath and may lead to other potential oral issues. If a brush doesn’t seem to be doing the trick there are special tongue scrappers that you can find on the market.

Build a Healthy Diet

It’s the start of a new year and despite the jokes about new years resolutions, eating a diet that’s full of healthy foods and incorporating lots of water are great for building good oral health.

Limit Sugary and Acidic Foods

Now this can be a tricky one for many, and we’re not saying that you have to eliminate these types of foods altogether. However, it’s important to know that sugar converts to acid the mouth and acidity can lead to cavities and the breakdown of tooth enamel. When you do consume these types of foods we always recommend rinsing with water right after and brushing as soon as you can.

Visit the Dentist Twice A Year

The ADA recommends seeing a dentist at least twice a year for a dental cleaning and oral checkup. Getting in twice a year ensures that your teeth get a thorough cleaning and that a professional is able to look at your teeth and check for cavities and other oral problems. Early intervention is key in helping maintain long-term oral health.

All of us at Inland Family Dentistry are wishing you the best in 2021 and we can’t wait to see you for your regular dental checkups!