Start Fresh in 2018

Building healthy habits takes time, and is often difficult when our old routine is embedded from years of practice. This is one reason New Year’s resolutions are so popular – we use the new year as an official marker to completely change our health and fitness routines. January is a great time to start fresh in areas of our lives we wish to improve on, including oral health!

So how can you revamp your dental routine to “start fresh?” Start by talking with your dentist or researching online to find out what a complete dental routine should entail for you. Ask about proper brushing and flossing technique, and products you should be adding. Be sure you have the right items on hand and are well-stocked with toothpaste, floss, and whatever other special items you may need based on your dentist’s recommendations.

The planning portion of a resolution is the easiest part. The next step is a little tougher and where most people fall short: following through. If you want a complete fresh start, schedule a cleaning for a blank slate to work with. From there, identify what steps in your routine you’ve had trouble with in the past and find solutions to keep up with them in 2018.

Do you have trouble remembering to floss? Put a sticky note on the mirror in the bathroom you brush your teeth in. Are you forgetting to brush your teeth for a full two minutes each time? Put a timer on your bathroom counter to ensure you get a full brushing each time. Do you keep missing your 6-month checkups? Make sure to mark your appointment and set reminders on all of your calendars so you don’t schedule other events on the same day.

Starting fresh with a better, more complete dental routine will create good habits that stick and healthier teeth long-term! If you’re ready to find out how you can improve your oral health this year, give us a call at (757) 609-3510 or fill out our online form to schedule an appointment.