2015 Resolution for a Healthy Smile

The after-parties are over, the photos are uploaded on the Timeline and resolutions are made (and strictly followed for the first 30 days).

The ritual of welcoming can never be complete without making resolutions. While making resolutions, the list invariably consists of our pledge to have a healthy year. Staying healthy and making rules to stay healthier are a constant endeavour. Ways to stay healthy usually revolves around getting in shape or eating healthy or adopting a lifestyle to be in the pink. But these alone should not be our only definition to stay healthy. While stringently paying attention to other parts of our body, we either miss out or pay the least attention to the hygiene and maintenance of our oral health. A first impression is always set by our smile and a lasting first impression is reflected through a healthy and endearing smile.

The meaning of oral hygiene is usually interpreted as brushing our teeth twice, daily and paying a visit to the dental clinic periodically. However, we forget that akin to taking care of our body, taking care of our oral health should be a daily effort as well (and must move beyond brushing our teeth twice, daily). You should not wait for the penultimate minute to understand the importance of maintaining oral health. In most cases, patients tend to ignore their oral health and in the bargain end up facing the brunt of root canal treatments or dental implants or a full mouth rehabilitation and can also at times extend to supplemented health issues like diabetes or heart ailments. Also, extensive dental treatments can be painful and a wearisome process for the patient. You could have your own smile makeover without the aid of cosmetic dentistry by following these simple hacks.

#1: Brush twice, daily (ideally after breakfast and after your last meal) using a soft-bristled toothbrush.

#2: Clean your tongue using a tongue scraper to remove mucus layer on the tongue (the mucus layer is a source of bad breath).

#3: Floss your teeth regularly. Flossing help prevents plaque and germ buildup between your teeth. This will help reduce the possibilities of irritation in the gums and subsequent inflammation.

#4: Clean your mouth with an alcohol free mouthwash to prevent the onset of gum diseases, cavities and canker sores, while complementing the effects of effectively brushing your teeth. Alcohol free mouthwash is specially recommended for pregnant women as it lowers the occurrence of preterm birth.

#5: Rinse your mouth every hour with water to prevent bad breath as this process cleanses the mouth from bacterial elements and also prevents staining on your teeth (staining is most common during constant intake of caffeine).

#6: Eat/Drink oral-friendly foods which have high content of fluoride and high content of Vitamin C (for healthy gums) and dairy products which are high in calcium and strengthen your teeth. Intake of sugary and starchy foods should be kept to the minimum as they lead to decay and gum diseases.

Tip: Consumption of Green Tea is healthy for your oral health as it reduces plaque, cavities and gum disease while strengthening the tooth enamel due to its high fluoride content.

#7: Avoid Caffeine/Smoking/Alcohol to avoid staining of the teeth and maintaining your pearly whites.

#8: Chew Sugar-free Gum after you eat, as it reduces the acidity in your mouth while generating more saliva which remineralizes your mouth with healthy pH.

These steps are tried and tested and will ensure that lasting first impression this New Year! Besides following these day-to-day therapies, it is also essential to continue the ritual of visiting your regular dental clinic on periodical basis for check-ups and supporting your oral health.