Many people start out the new year with resolutions that are focused on improving their mental and physical health. Maybe this is the year you decide to start exercising, focusing on your nutrition, starting a daily meditation practise, or just calling your mom more often. There’s one area of healthcare that often gets missed on the resolution list, and that’s oral health. This is an easy way to improve your overall wellbeing – a resolution you can actually keep!

Your general dentist in South London has compiled this handy list of five ways you can improve your oral health in 2022.

1. Make a dentist appointment.
   Making regular visits with your general dentist in South London is one of the most important thing you can do to improve and maintain good dental health. These visits give your family dentist and their team the chance to spot small problems and correct them before they turn into big problems. They clean your teeth to remove stains and plaque buildup that could otherwise lead to tooth decay, cavities, and gum disease, plus give you a quick and easy screening for more serious problems like oral cancers. You should see your dentist every 6-8 months, or any time you experience oral pain or discomfort.
2. Brush twice a day.
   This is another easy one. Every morning and every evening, brush your teeth using a toothbrush with soft bristles and a fluoride toothpaste. This removes bacteria, plaque and staining that can weaken or discolour your teeth. It also stimulates the gums and keeps your breath fresh.
3. Floss daily.
   Flossing is easy, and effective. So do it! Flossing your teeth removes food particles and bacteria from between the teeth, preventing it from turning into plaque and causing tooth decay, gum disease or cavities.
4. Clean your tongue.
   Have you ever noticed a white film on your tongue? That film can be full of bacteria, and scraping it off is easy, painless, and it only takes a minute. You can get a tongue scraper at the pharmacy for a couple of dollars and using it will truly change your oral hygiene game. Your breath will be fresher, and your mouth will feel cleaner.
5. Stay hydrated
   Stay hydrated but be sure to reach for water over sugary drinks like juice or acidic drinks like pop. Drinking a lot of water helps to clean food debris and bacteria from your teeth, plus it improves your overall health and wellness which has a direct impact on your oral health.

Call the team at Highland Woods Dentistry today to get started on your resolution to improve your oral health in 2022! Our dental office is located in South London at Belmont Dr and Wharncliffe Rd S. Our office is open and accepting new patients and emergencies. We look forward to seeing you at your next dental appointment.