29
Dec
New Year, New Smile: Simple Resolutions for Better Oral Health
As we step into a new year, it’s the perfect time to make resolutions that benefit your overall wellness, starting with your dental health. At our Santa Rosa, California practice, we believe that maintaining a healthy smile is easier than you think. Here are some straightforward tips and resolutions to enhance your dental care routine and keep your smile bright and healthy all year long.
1. How Can I Improve My Flossing Routine?
Flossing might not be everyone’s favorite task, but it’s essential for preventing cavities and gum disease.
Here’s how to make it easier:
- Use a Water Flosser: Try incorporating a water flosser into your shower routine. It’s a convenient way to remember to floss daily without making a mess.
- Keep Floss Picks Handy: Purchase floss picks and keep them in your car. Use them daily while you’re driving to ensure you’re cleaning between your teeth regularly.
2. Why Is Rinsing with Water After Meals Important?
Rinsing your mouth with water after eating or drinking helps:
- Reduce Food Debris: Washing away food particles can help prevent plaque buildup.
- Freshen Your Breath: Rinsing can help minimize bad breath.
- Prevent Plaque and Stains: It helps limit plaque formation and reduces the risk of stains.
- Protect Enamel: Rinsing can wash away acids and reduce enamel erosion.
For best results, rinse with water after meals and snacks to limit the contact time of food and drinks with your teeth.
3. How Can I Catch Cavities Early?
Addressing cavities early can save you from more extensive treatments later:
- Schedule Regular Checkups: Plan visits to catch cavities before they become severe. Early intervention means smaller, more affordable restorations and better preservation of tooth structure.
- Address Sensitivity Promptly: Even if you’re not experiencing sensitivity, get fillings promptly to avoid complications.
4. What Are the Benefits of Drinking Through a Straw?
Using a straw can help protect your smile:
- Minimize Contact with Teeth: Straws help liquids bypass your front teeth, reducing the risk of stains and cavities, especially after teeth whitening or with tooth-colored restorations.
- Preserve Your Smile: It helps keep your “smile zone” bright and clean.
5. How Can Upgrading My Toothbrush Help?
A high-quality toothbrush makes a big difference:
- Choose an Electric Toothbrush: Invest in a soft-bristled electric brush to effectively remove plaque and massage your gums with less effort.
- Replace Brush Heads Regularly: Set up an auto-order for replacement heads every 3–4 months, or mark your calendar to ensure you replace them on time.
6. Why Should I Stay on Top of My Checkups?
Regular dental checkups are crucial for ongoing oral health:
- Book Appointments in Advance: Schedule your next checkup and cleaning while you’re at our office to stay on track.
- Avoid Last-Minute Scheduling: Keeping your appointments on the calendar helps you maintain consistent care without falling behind.
Ready for a Healthier Smile?
If it’s been six months or more since your last checkup, don’t wait any longer. Contact our Santa Rosa, California office today to schedule your next appointment and start the year with a smile that’s as bright and healthy as ever!
Call us at (707) 542-6772 to book your visit. We look forward to helping you achieve your best smile this year!
Dr. Wayne Sutton
Connect with Dr. Wayne Sutton on Linkedin
Dr. Sutton is one of the premier cosmetic dentists in Sonoma County, and with over 25 years of experience, his implant center maintains a standard of excellence using the strongest dental implant bridge currently available to provide predictable full mouth dental implant reconstructions.
Dr. Sutton completed his postgraduate studies at The Pacific Aesthetic Continuum in San Francisco and received his doctorate, three years of experience as a clinical instructor, and the coveted “Clinical Excellence Award” from UCSF School of Dentistry in 1997. He also earned his Fellowship in the Academy of Comprehensive Esthetics and studied Advanced Occlusion at the Hornbrook Group.
Dr. Sutton continues to take four times the annual continuing education requirements to maintain his license. As a member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, the Dental Organization for Conscious Sedation (awarded his Fellowship), the Academy of General Dentistry (Fellowships status), the American Dental Implant Association (Diplomat status), the American Dental Association, the American Academy for Dental Sleep Medicine, Dr. Sutton is also a select cosmetic dentist recognized as an Official Dentist of the Mrs. Globe – Mrs. USA Pageants.