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New Year's Resolutions to Make Your Smile Shine Bright!



Video by John Cominsky, WBTV


As you write your New Year's resolution list, we encourage you to add improving your oral health to your list. Improving your oral health is a very easy habit to incorporate into your daily routine and will build your confidence and positively affect your overall health and outlook on life.

Here are two easy steps to take daily to improve your oral health:

1. Brush your teeth twice daily

You may be brushing your teeth, but it is important to make sure you are brushing correctly. It is recommended by the American Dental Association that you brush your teeth twice a day. For optimal cleaning, the key is to brush for two minutes in small circular motions, with your toothbrush angled at a forty-five degree angle towards your gums and make sure to reach the hard to reach areas. We suggest using a soft bristled or electric toothbrush to reduce aggressive brushing and sensitivity related to recession and abfraction caused from brushing too hard.

2. Floss your teeth daily

At times, flossing can be more important than brushing. Like brushing, it is important that you are flossing your teeth correctly. Rather than just going in and out between the teeth, the key is to go in and dip in the pocket between the tooth and gum, and go up and down in a "C" shaped motion and come up the other side, repeating this step for each tooth.

Adding these two easy steps to your daily routine, along with visiting a dentist for your regular cleanings and exams will help you achieve the optimal oral health you deserve. If you are interested in improving your oral health, contact one of our offices today to schedule an appointment and let Oak Ridge Dental Arts help make your smile shine bright.