The start of a new year is always a great time to revisit habits — the less good ones you want to toss out and the better ones you want to build in their place.

Common resolutions we all know (and hopefully grow to love) include eating healthier and exercising more — maybe even sleeping more. But don’t sleep on these four tips for a healthier smile to add to your routine.

We recommend these general dentistry habits to all our patients at our Summerville, SC practice. After all, we all want to be able to smile as brightly as possible in 2022!

1.  Brush and floss twice a day.

When it comes to oral health and general dentistry best practices, the ground rules have never changed. There’s no way around brushing and flossing AT LEAST two times daily — in the morning and again in the evening before you go to bed.

Brushing your teeth most effectively means about two minutes, with about 30 seconds per quadrant — upper right, upper left, lower right, lower left. If you’ve got the brushing down pat, but want to up your game, consider an electric toothbrush which can help clean your teeth and remove dental plaque more thoroughly than a manual brush.

If you’re leaving the flossing on the sidelines, here’s a statistic that might help motivate you to bring it back. That toothbrush of yours can only reach about 60% of the surface of your teeth. That means a whopping 40% still needs some TLC — and that’s where flossing comes in, to help eliminate the bacteria between your teeth and gums which can cause tooth decay, gum disease, staining, and more. Don’t forget to floss behind the last tooth in your mouth, too!

2. Don’t brush too hard!

An important thing to remember while brushing is to not get too overzealous about it — or take out any frustrations on your teeth! Because, yes, there is such a thing as brushing too hard and it can cause damage to your teeth and gums, leading to problems like receding gums, enamel wear, and sensitivity.

If you think you might land in the category of aggressive brusher, there are a few things to be mindful of. First, swap that firm toothbrush for a soft-bristled variety and hold it with a gentle grip — you could even consider using your non-dominant hand!

Also, slow down and tap the brakes on brushing — remember, two minutes is the ideal amount of time. This allows you to be more methodical about your brushing technique with short, tooth-wide strokes rather than a sawing motion. An electric toothbrush can also be helpful here to moderate the intensity of your brushing.

3. Consider making some lifestyle changes.

We have a feeling this one is going to be the least popular tip on the list. But there’s no denying that your morning (or all-day) caffeine fix could be doing a number on your pearly whites. Coffee and tea are some of the most common culprits that discolor teeth along with red wine. Outside of minimizing your exposure, we have a post about some ways you can help combat the stain factor. But you still may want to consider cutting back.

The same goes for that sweet tooth. Sugary drinks, sticky candy, and other processed sweet snacks can wreak havoc on your teeth — especially if you’re not brushing and flossing immediately after consuming them.

Finally, we don’t have to remind you that tobacco products are not good for your lungs or your overall health. Cigarettes and smokeless tobacco also stain your teeth. But, beyond general dentistry and aesthetic concerns, they compromise your gums and actually increase your risk of gum disease and oral cancer. Make 2022 the year you finally kick this habit to the curb.

4. Schedule bi-annual dental cleanings.

A twice yearly cleaning and exam is a basic yet preventative general dentistry treatment that you should always schedule in — it’s a key part of keeping your smile healthy and attractive. Not only does a professional cleaning help remove any plaque or tartar buildup, your teeth get a good polish to remove mild, surface-level stains. Plus, you’ll be examined for any signs of damaging dental conditions or diseases like oral cancer.

Looking for more “oomph”?

Maybe you’re already an A-plus student and have these four habits down pat. How about some extra-credit work?

Invest in professional teeth whitening.

No matter how well you treat your teeth, they can still likely benefit from some TLC in the whitening department. Professional teeth whitening at Smile Advanced Dental Center in Summerville, SC, is a simple, effective cosmetic dental treatment that noticeably enhances your smile in as little as one treatment, lightening the appearance of stains, discoloration, and yellowing on the tooth enamel caused by a variety of factors. It’s a surefire way to give your smile an upgrade.

Consider a full smile makeover.

Perhaps you’re looking for a personalized, comprehensive treatment plan that can greatly enhance the beauty of your smile — across a variety of cosmetic and/or restorative dental treatments. That’s where a smile makeover can come in, customized to your specific dental needs and goals.