New Year’s Resolutions for Your Teeth

Happy New Year! This is the time of year where many are making resolutions for self-improvement over the next 12 months, and you shouldn’t forget about your oral health. Whether you’re looking for a full smile makeover or just hoping to show some love to your pearly whites this year, consider adopting a few of the resolutions below for a brighter and healthier smile.

Brush Twice Daily (At Least!)

There’s a reason you’ve heard this advice so much—it’s important! The best way to practice good dental hygiene in the coming year is just to make sure you’re brushing your teeth each morning and each night (if you want to do it after every meal, too, we won’t stop you!). Whenever you eat, bacteria called plaque sticks to your teeth. Plaque is fairly easy to brush away, but it only takes a day for plaque to calcify into tartar, which breeds additional bacteria, makes your teeth look yellow, and has to be scraped away at your next dental checkup. Brushing twice a day limits the amount of tartar that can harden in your mouth and also keeps your breath smelling fresh and teeth looking white.

Don’t forget flossing, either. Flossing at least once a day is critical for warding off cavities and keeping your gums healthy and strong.

Flash A Whiter, Brighter Smile

Knowing that your teeth are clean and white can cause a big boost in confidence levels, and at Mesa Street Dental we utilize the latest technologies in cosmetic dentistry to provide teeth whitening services with dramatic results. There are a variety of reasons that teeth may become dull, stained, or yellow, and our dentist works with your specific situation for long-lasting results. At-home whitening kits often only reach the top layer of your teeth, but the tooth bleaching available at our office whitens beyond the enamel, so you’ll have a movie-star smile for longer.

Get Perfect Alignment

Do you wish you had a straighter smile? Come talk to us at Mesa Street Dental about our smile design process and how we can get you on track to perfectly straight teeth. Invisalign’s popular technology uses plastic trays molded to your teeth to achieve tooth alignment quickly and easily without sacrificing your brilliant smile in the meantime. Plus, not having braces means you don’t have to worry about limiting what foods you eat, flossing after every meal, or feeling awkward while talking or smiling. Regardless of if you’re experiencing crossbite, overbite, underbite, crowding, or gaps, we can help!

Choose Food and Beverages Wisely

We all know that staying away from unhealthy food and drink is good for your physical health, but did you also know it has significant benefits for your oral health? In addition to avoiding sugary snacks and candies, it’s also important to consume foods that will give your teeth the nutrients they need to stay strong and protected. Vitamins and minerals that are good for dental health include Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Calcium, and Iron, which can be found in leafy greens like spinach and kale. Other good bets for tooth health include yogurt, almonds, berries, and garlic.

Sodas, energy drinks, and other sugary beverages often contain high acid content, which can break down the enamel on your teeth and leave your smile vulnerable to cavities, tooth decay, and eventually gum disease.

Receive Regular Dental Care

For a healthy smile, it’s important to schedule regular dental cleanings twice per year to ensure proper oral health. Even with daily brushing and flossing, stubborn plaque and bacteria can hang on to your teeth until removed by a dental professional. Additionally, X-rays and other preventative care can identify and stop oral health problems before they cause damage.

At Mesa Street Dental, we treat our patients like family. Your experience is our top priority, and we strive to provide comfortable, friendly, and professional service that gives you peace of mind and helps you feel welcome. The experienced professionals at our full-service dental office located in El Paso, Texas, can offer you the highest quality cosmetic dentistry, preventative dentistry, and emergency oral health services, all at an affordable price. Contact us today for more information or to set up an appointment!