Tips for improving your oral health in 2021

 MINNEAPOLIS, MN – The Minnesota Dental Association is urging all Minnesotans to make a resolution to improve their oral health in 2021. Eliminating bad habits, starting good habits, and prevention are all key to maintaining good oral health – and overall health – and avoiding the risk of gum disease and other possible dental-related conditions.
Mouth-healthy Resolutions

 Start…

  1. Changing your toothbrush every 3-4 months.
  2. Brushing your teeth two times a day for two minutes for healthier teeth, good breath, fewer cavities, and to avoid painful dental problems.
  3. Flossing daily.
  4. Chewing sugarless gum. Chewing sugarless gum for 20 minutes following meals can help prevent tooth decay.
  5. Drinking fluoridated water. Fluoride helps prevent cavities by making teeth more resistant to the acid attacks that cause cavities.
  6. Seeing your dentist regularly (every six months).

 Stop…

  1. If you smoke, seek help with quitting.  Smoking can worsen gum problems.
  2. Drinking soda. A steady diet of soft drinks can lead to tooth decay.
  3. Stop eating sour candies. Sour candies are very acidic and can weaken tooth enamel.
  4. Biting your nails. Nail biting can chip teeth and harm your jaw.
  5. Brushing too hard. Brushing with a hard toothbrush, or brushing too hard, can damage teeth and irritate gums.

Extra precautions and safeguards are in place at dental clinics due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Dental clinics continue to follow guidance and protocols recommended by the Centers for Disease and Prevention (CDC) to ensure safety during appointments.

For more resources and information about oral health visit www.mndental.org/public.

The Minnesota Dental Association is the voice of dentistry in Minnesota, representing practicing dentists. It is committed to the highest standards of oral health and access to care for all Minnesotans. You can learn more at www.mndental.org.