He’s making a list, checking it twice, he’s gonna find out who’s naughty and nice.

That would be none other than Santa Claus, right?

For the purposes of this blog, let’s make Santa your dentist. And in this case, the “naughty” and nice” don’t refer to behavior toward other people, but rather your own dental practices and habits that ultimately lead to two different results: exceptional oral health or cavities, gingivitis, and other problems.

Regarding your own dental care habits, which one would your dentist most likely check: naughty or nice? For most people, it’s actually both. Everyone has some dental habits they’d like to improve. The key is to have more positive dental health practices than negative dental habits.

With the holidays approaching, we’re putting a different spin on the traditional naughty and nice list. The dental care professionals at Dr. Dental are here to help you and your family get through the holiday season with exceptional teeth & gum health. With that in mind, we created two different lists on which dental care habits you should avoid – and also which ones you should practice on a daily basis!

If you need to get a checkup or require other dental care needs, schedule an appointment today at any of our area offices. We’ll give your teeth and gums some nice attention – even if your recent dental habits have been a little naughty.

OK, let’s check out the lists!

The Naughty List – Dental Care Habits to Avoid

Steer clear of these harmful dental health behaviors.

• Tobacco use. From smokeless tobacco to cigarettes, tobacco use is responsible for yellowed teeth, bad breath, and even diminished jawbone density. Ditch this naughty habit, and watch your oral health improve immediately!
• Using the wrong toothbrush. Avoid hard bristle brushes. They’re bad news for sensitive gums and can cause bleeding while brushing. Bonus tip: don’t brush your teeth too hard, even if you have a soft bristle brush.
• Chewing ice. Some people love to chew ice. While it may seem like a harmless habit, it’s definitely on the naughty side and should be avoided. Chewing ice wears away at the tooth enamel, and can also cause cracks and chips in multiple teeth.
• Thumb sucking. Keep an eye on your children’s dental habits, particularly this one. From misaligned teeth to problems with the hard palate (roof of the mouth), thumb sucking is one of the worst dental practices for children. Thankfully, this habit generally fades over time, so it probably won’t be a lifelong issue.
• Using your teeth for anything other than chewing. Teeth are for chewing food. They’re not a Swiss army knife. Using teeth to open soda bottles, rip open packages or other non-chewing activities opens your mouth up for minor injuries and major trauma. Just let your teeth do what they do best – remember, your teeth aren’t tools!

Nice Dental Habits – The Gifts that Keep on Giving!

Now that we know which habits to avoid, it’s time to review a handful of “nice” dental care practices. Follow these, and your teeth and gums will thank you!

• Brush often – and brush the right way! You should brush your teeth at least twice per day – once when you awake, and once before bedtime. If you’re able to brush your teeth after lunch occasionally, that’s even better! But it’s not just frequency that’s important with brushing; it’s also form. Check out our blog post to brush your teeth the right way!
• Don’t forget to floss. Flossing is one of those nice dental care habits that takes very little time – but offers a very significant benefit! Try to floss at least once a day. Twice is even better.
• Visit your dentist at least 2-3 times per year. Some dental problems are totally avoided with proper self-care. But it’s still a good idea to visit your nearest Dr. Dental office about 2-3 times per year. From cleanings to other dental procedures, your dentist helps detect issues you otherwise might not know about.
• Rinse regularly. An antiseptic mouthwash helps limit plaque buildup, and that’s great news in the fight against cavities. Remember…rinsing isn’t a substitute for brushing and flossing, but rather another tool to help you obtain good oral health throughout the year.
• Watch your diet. Want to give your mouth a healthy boost? Limit sugary snacks, keep between-meal eating to a minimum, and try to drink more water. Too much sugar and excessive eating in general are bad for your teeth, and if you’re not getting enough water, your mouth is more susceptible to bacteria buildup.

Stop by Dr. Dental for a Checkup Today!

Looking for a trusted dental care partner you can trust? Look no further than Dr. Dental. With offices throughout New Hampshire, New Jersey, Massachusetts, and Connecticut, we’re here to help in any way possible. Let us help eliminate those naughty dental habits today!

With plenty of nice offers – including a new patient cleaning special – our exclusive deals and discounts are a great way to get started with the dental care you and your family deserve.

Thanks for visiting Dr. Dental!