Whether you want to improve your finances or make strides toward your fitness goals, there’s no better time to roll up your sleeves and get to work! September is National Self-Improvement Month, which is an ideal time to get serious about your goals. Remember — there’s not much time until the end of the year.
So, what are your self-improvement goals?
We urge our patients to consider making their dental health a priority during this improvement period. Improving your smile will not only enhance your confidence but it can also have spillover benefits to your overall health and wellness.
The Top 8 Ways to Improve Your Smile
Get Serious About Brushing: Even if you are brushing twice a day, there are still plenty of mistakes you could be making. Some of the most common mistakes we see in our patients are not brushing long enough or brushing using too much pressure. To avoid these mistakes, be sure to brush for the entire recommended two minutes and to use gentle, circular brushing motions.
Floss Every Day: According to the American Dental Association, patients should floss every day to remove plaque and food particles from between the teeth and other hard-to-reach areas. If you’re not already flossing each day, commit to making it a part of your daily oral care routine.
Invest in the Right Tools: Are you using the right toothbrush? Now is the perfect time to take a critical look at what dental tools you’re using and decide if it’s a good fit for you. For example, if you have a difficult time with brushing, consider investing in an electric toothbrush to make it easier.
Visit Your Dentist: You shouldn’t just visit the dentist when you suspect there’s a problem with your dental health. Visit the dentist regularly for teeth cleanings and checkups to proactively protect your smile. If you haven’t already visited our office this year, make it a goal to come in this September!
Be Mindful of Your Diet: Your diet doesn’t just affect your waistline! Consuming sugary, processed foods can also damage your teeth and gums. When sugar is consumed, bacteria will feed upon it and create an enamel-eroding acid. Limit your sugar intake to benefit your smile and overall health.
Straighten Your Smile: Overcrowding, gaps, and misalignment can hinder your self-confidence and impact your dental health. In many instances, patients can have a harder time effectively brushing and flossing. If you’ve considered orthodontic treatment before, now is the time to take the leap to enjoy a straight, beautiful smile. Depending on your specific case, some orthodontic options include traditional braces, lingual braces, and Invisalign.
Give up Bad Habits: Bad habits like teeth grinding, tobacco use and chewing ice can all impact your smile and leave you vulnerable to tooth decay or tooth fractures. This month, make it a point to give up these bad habits to improve your smile and dental health.
Restore Missing Teeth: If you’ve experienced tooth loss, it’s important to address this issue sooner rather than later. Untreated tooth loss will make you more susceptible to losing your remaining teeth. The gaps left by missing teeth also cause depletion of the supportive jawbone. Take the first step to a complete smile and schedule a dental implant consultation with Dr. Ian Smith to learn more about restoring your smile.
Contact Dr. Ian Smith in Kingston
Make your dental health a priority this month! We offer various services ranging from a simple teeth cleaning to full mouth rehabilitation. Contact our Kingston office today to schedule your next appointment with Dr. Ian Smith.