The new year signals a time for new goals, resolutions, and habits. Many people focus on health this time of year, aiming to exercise more, consume fewer calories, or even add more fruits and vegetables to their plates. But, if you aren’t resolving to focus on oral health too, you could be missing an important part of the health picture.
With that in mind, here are some dental care tips from your Waco and Harker Heights dentist to enhance your routine in 2019.
Refresh Your Technique
Most people don’t pay much attention to their brushing technique. However, using the wrong amount of pressure or an improper angle can actually harm your gums.
When you brush, make sure to hold the bristles at an angle. If you have a manual toothbrush, use gentle and short back-and-forth motions, keeping the pressure light and allowing the tips of the bristles to skim across your teeth and along the gumline.
Electric toothbrush users don’t have to worry as much about the back-and-forth as the brush does most of that work. Instead, just slowly guide the brush head across your teeth and gumline, making sure to touch every surface.
When you floss, your technique matters too. Take it one tooth at a time and gently slide the floss between your teeth, all the way into the space where your tooth and gum meet. Carefully slide the floss along the side of one tooth, using an up-and-down motion, then do the same on the side of the other tooth. Repeat the process for each tooth.
Don’t Rush the Brush
Simply brushing twice a day isn’t enough. You have to dedicate enough time to the process to do a thorough job. Luckily, it doesn’t take as long as you would think to brush properly.
Instead of rushing through your twice daily brushing, make sure to take at least two minutes. If you use an electric toothbrush, keeping track of the time may be easy. Many brands shut off automatically after two minutes pass. Otherwise, a simple kitchen timer can work in a pinch.
However, if the two minutes go by and you haven’t touched every tooth surface, keep brushing until you do. Increasing the duration of your brushing routine by a minute or two doesn’t do any harm if you are using the proper technique.
Keep Your Dental Appointments
Your regular dental checkups are an essential part of your dental care routine. Aim to visit your Waco or Harker Heights dentist every six months to keep your oral health in shape. This ensures you get professional cleanings regularly as well as x-rays and other services that can help keep your smile radiant and healthy.
Reviews From Our Patients
Krystle J.
Sammy, Connor, the front desk staff, Dental Hygenist and especially Dr. Town are amazing! It’s great to see the same faces everyone I get a cleaning! Sammy makes the experience comfortable and welcome. Connor may be quiet but he always does a great job! The dental hygienist always remembers me and my kids. Sorry I cant remember her name but she knows who I am and that’s what matters:) Thankful for this staff and the great care they give to my family!
Linda F.
I love it here. I have never seen a dental office give flowers to first timers. Everyone was so welcome if. In pain but you guys still made me smile. I told my daughter she need to come there. I love how you guys work with options of payment. Again thanks for making me smile in pain.
Emily C.
We’ve always had a good experience at Stonehaven. The women at the front desk are always cheerful and helpful. I love the hygienists, they always make my children and I feel comfortable and informed. I have pretty high dental anxiety and they’ve never tried to minimize my fears- but they listen to me, and help me feel as comfortable as possible. The dentists and orthodontists have been great! No issues at all. (I just wish my daughter was better at flossing, but we’re working on that!)
Yolanda R.
Oh my god, this doctor and staff are the best! They are friendly, they explained everything very thoroughly and made me feel very comfortable. The office is so clean and every one of the staff is so amazing especially Crystal! I recommend this dental office big time!!! Thank you Stonehaven Dental!!
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"This is my first time at Stonehaven dental. Everyone was super friendly, and helpful. Dr Town came in and visited with me and together we developed a treatment plan to address the issues that were present on my teeth. Couldn't be more happy with the experience with everyone in the office!"