We hope you had a great holiday season and that 2022 has started off wonderfully. With every new year, many of us commit to some resolutions for improving our lives. Many of us intend to get more exercise, eat healthier, and generally invest in self-care. While you’re embarking on your wellness quest this year, whatever it may mean for you, don’t forget about your teeth!

Oral Health Is Part of Full Body Wellness

If your new year’s resolution involves improving your health, taking care of your teeth is an essential part of the puzzle. Oral disease can have far-reaching negative health impacts throughout nearly all body systems. Many of us are aware of the link between gum disease and cardiovascular disease. However, did you know it’s been linked to far more systemic health problems?

Periodontal disease has been linked to increased risks for: diabetes; certain cancers; low birthweight babies; preterm labor; pancreatitis; pancreatic cancer; arthritis; and a host of other disorders. Men with periodontal disease are at significantly higher risk for pancreatic cancer. There are also studies investigating the link between gum disease and erectile dysfunction as well as Alzheimer’s and dementia.

While gum disease has not been proven as a direct cause for many of these (except pancreatic cancer), the key appears to be inflammation. Gum disease triggers an ongoing reaction from the immune system. This immune reaction can travel to other parts of the body and cause problems. Maintaining health gums means less strain on your immune system and less inflammation through your whole body. And that’s great for your health!

Give Yourself the Tools for Great Oral Health

It’s hard to achieve ideal oral health without the right tools. The good news is there are plenty of options out there!

Brushes

An electric toothbrush is a great place to start. There are lots of options, but here at Lake Baldwin Dental we tend to see the best results with the Phillips Sonicare. It does an amazing job breaking up bacterial colonies and removing plaque. The vibration also massages the gums for great circulation. Many patients enjoy newer options such as the Quip. It’s a great little brush and the company will even send replacement brush heads so you’re not using the same one for months.

Which reminds us: whether you’re using an electric or manual toothbrush, be sure you’re replacing those bristles every three months! Not only do toothbrushes grow bacteria over time, but they become frayed and don’t work as well.

If you prefer a manual brush, be sure to select soft or even extra-soft bristles. They’re better for your gums and actually remove plaque more effectively than stiffer bristles.

Care Between Teeth

For cleaning between the teeth, floss is obviously the gold standard. There are a ton of options out there, so don’t hesitate to ask your hygienist for tips! The key is to pick the floss that feels best for you. Many of our patients like Listerine UltraClean floss because it’s stretchy and doesn’t pinch the gums as much. You may prefer waxed or unwaxed, tape or woven, string or floss picks. Do a little experimenting and find what works for you!

Many people hate flossing. In fact, we might say most. If you know you’re committed to not flossing, consider a water flosser. We love the WaterPik. With a pulsating stream of water, it can flush out bacteria between the teeth and below the gums. In fact, it reaches much deeper than floss so it’s a great tool for patients with deep pockets in their gums. It’s also essential for patients with braces or orthodontic appliances. It’s a life-saver for permanent retainers and works great for crowns and bridges.

Finding Dental Self-Care Motivation

So many resolutions start out with the best intentions only to fall to the wayside after a few weeks. Dental health takes very little work every day (only about five minutes total!), but you’ve got to be consistent. Set yourself up for success in 2022!

Set Yourself Up for Success

It can be easy to forget new tasks while you’re trying to build a habit. Some habit-building experts indicate that it can take anywhere from two weeks to thirty days for a new habit to become dependable. As you try to build better oral health habits, give yourself a helping hand!

• Set an alarm on your phone. If you have trouble remembering to floss, try setting an alarm on your phone for a time when you think you’ll be able to get it done. This may be before bed, or first thing in the morning. Even after lunch! The point is to floss once every 24 hours, whenever you can.
• Put your supplies where they can’t be ignored. As much as you might appreciate a clean bathroom counter, consider leaving your dental care supplies where you can’t ignore them. Out of sight and out of mind will not help build those new habits!
• Give yourself backup. If you (or your family members) find that you frequently skip dental care because you rush out of the house in the morning, consider packing a travel kit. You can always make up for those skipped sessions at work or school if needed.

Make Dental Self-Care Feel Like Spa Day

It might sound ridiculous, but dental self-care can become a time for relaxation if you do it right. Find products in flavors you love and look forward to. There is coconut floss, vanilla-mint mouthwash, cinnamon toothpaste. Find what you’ll look forward to!

If you really want to go for it, you can even light a candle and put on some relaxing music to spend those two or three minutes before your evening shower in relaxation and care mode. Use those brushing and flossing moments to take some deep breaths. You can even do your dental care in the shower! Both Sonicare and WaterPik make water-proof models you can use to stretch out your time in the steam. It’s easy to stick with habits that make you feel great!

Let Our Team Help You Achieve Your Oral Health Goals!

Of course, you don’t have to go it alone on your dental health journey. That’s what we’re here for! Make a commitment to stay up to date with your regular dental health check appointments this year. We can help you get your home care routine in order and ensure everything is in tip top shape! Keep smiling your healthiest smile ever, Orlando!