We’re in the month of giving thanks for all we’re grateful for, so why not be grateful for your oral health, too? Many of us take for granted the ability to chew, eat, and talk with our mouths everyday. This season, we encourage you to truly be thankful for your oral health. Here is how you can show your teeth some appreciation during this season of Thanksgiving. 

Ways to Show Thanks for Your Smile

If you are currently in good oral health and want to stay that way, there are things you can do to show thanks for having a healthy smile. So, what can you do to maintain your healthy smile? Our team here at Dr. Ania’s offers these tips: 

Start brushing your teeth longer

If you are like most people, you probably don’t brush your teeth for as long as you should. Recommendations currently include brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time. However, this is a fine line Healthline explains. If you don’t brush your teeth for two minutes, you won’t remove as much plaque from your teeth as you need. Alternatively, if you brush longer than two minutes, you could risk damage to your enamel and gums. 

Another way to show thanks for your teeth is to brush them properly. If you need a how-to to refresh your memory, here are the tips from Healthline: 

• Hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle towards your gums
• Brush using short strokes that cover the width of one tooth
• Move your toothbrush back and forth along the teeth, applying gentle pressure as you brush each tooth 
• Use back-and-forth motion to brush along the chewing surfaces of your teeth
• Properly brush the inner surfaces of your teeth by holding the toothbrush vertically and brushing up and down
• Brush your tongue using back-to-front strokes to remove bacteria
• Rinse your toothbrush after you use it 
• Store your toothbrush in an upright position and away from other people’s toothbrushes 

Floss daily… yes, really! 

You shouldn’t only floss before you’re about to go to the dentist. Regular flossing can remove plaque, prevent the buildup of plaque, and prevent tartar from forming. Further, flossing can help brighten your teeth and clean them in ways that a toothbrush can’t. Not only does daily flossing keep your teeth healthy, but it also contributes to your oral health in other ways, too. Oral-B explains that there is an increasing amount of research and evidence that links periodontal disease to an increased risk of heart disease. Flossing can help prevent gum disease, and these further complications, by helping you remove plaque from your teeth. It also makes you look at your teeth more closely than you would if you are only brushing each day. 

Watch what you eat and drink

Another important component in your oral hygiene is what you eat and drink. If you are eating hard, sticky, and sugary foods, you are more at risk of damaging a tooth or getting a cavity. If you are drinking too much coffee or carbonated beverages, the acidity is going to make your teeth more prone to sensitivity and decay. Show thanks for your oral health by watching what you eat and drink — and enjoying your favorite not-so-good-for-you foods and drinks in moderation. 

See your dentist often 

One of the most critical parts of maintaining your oral health is visiting your dentist at least once every six months, or twice a year. Here at Dr. Ania’s, we pride ourselves in customizing every part of your dental care — even your cleanings! Our team will spend a lot of time with you cleaning your teeth, educating you about your gum health, and teaching you how to maintain a healthy mouth. Whether you’re in good oral health, or just want to get that way, making an appointment with Dr. Ania is a good first step in showing appreciation for your oral health. 

Make an Appointment with Dr. Ania

Dr. Ania’s experience, expertise, and commitment to your oral health can help bring you a smile that exudes confidence, beauty, and well-being. If you are ready to get on the road to better oral health, or if you just want to maintain your already-healthy smile, make an appointment with Dr. Ania and our team today by calling us at (303)-872-9940. Located conveniently in Boulder, CO, we’re here for all of your – and your family’s – oral health needs.