The HELVIDENT team hopes you had a wonderful summer. With the start of a new school year comes new resolutions. What if you decided to adopt better habits to pamper your oral hygiene? Discover all our tips and choose the ones you'd like to implement this year for a beautiful smile.
1 - Make an appointment with your dentist.
It's important to set up regular check-ups for your oral health. Contact your dentist now to arrange an annual check-up or dental cleaning for you and the rest of the family. And don't forget to bring your youngest as soon as he or she blows out their first candle! Your healthcare professional will be able to welcome you in compliance with current health standards. People with chronic illnesses are required to undergo two visits per year.
2 - Respect your oral hygiene routine.
During the summer vacations, we tend to relax and make a few infidelities to our oral hygiene routine. Take advantage of the back-to-school period to get back into good habits. L'World Health Organization recommends brushing twice a day, morning and evening. Each brushing should last at least two minutes. For effective plaque removal, it's best to use a fluoride toothpaste. There is a wide range of toothpastes to suit every stage of life and every dental pathology.
3 - Become a flossing pro.
Often overlooked, dental floss is an essential accessory to complete your daily hygiene routine. The Swiss Society of Dentists (SSO) recommends that you clean your interdental spaces every evening after brushing. This is because food residues and bacteria always remain between your teeth. In the long term, this creates problems: bad taste, bad breath, gingivitis, periodontal disease, mobility, tooth loosening... The solution: floss, if possible waxed, or waxed and mentholated.
4 - Reduce your sugar intake.
Everyone knows: too much sugar is bad for your health. There's visible sugar, the kind you add to your coffee or cake, but also the hidden sugar found in most industrial products. In other words, we're far exceeding our recommended daily intake. From September onwards, avoid sweets and soft drinks. Consumption of these tooth-damaging products should remain the exception.
5 - Prevent tooth decay in children.
Children succumb even more easily than adults to the lure of sugar. Excess sugar can lead to numerous health problems, including tooth decay. We now know that, with good oral and dietary hygiene, every child can aspire to cavity-free teeth. So try to instill better habits in them from an early age, for a brighter smile later on.
6 - Eat a healthy diet.
We all have the right to enjoy the pleasures of the table during the vacations. However, as soon as we return to school, it's best to get back to our good habits and eat a healthy, balanced diet. If you have a tendency to nibble between meals, try retreating to a smaller snack. sugar-free chewing gum or a large glass of water. This will reduce the repeated acid attacks on teeth that lead to cavities.
7 - Play sports regularly.
It's undoubtedly one of the resolutions we hear most often at the start of every new school year. In fact, regular physical activity goes a long way towards improving your overall health. It will also have an impact on your oral health. Drink water regularly during your workout. Rinse your mouth after taking sugary energy bars or drinks. Finally, don't forget fluoride, an important ally in strengthening enamel. If you or your child is involved in a high-risk sport, remember to wear a mouthguard.
8 - Quit smoking for a brighter smile.
Tobacco is one of the biggest enemies of your oral health. You're aware of it, but you just can't seem to kick the habit. Some people quit smoking overnight. If this isn't your case, you're not alone. Many smokers try to quit, with great difficulty. If this sounds like you, you should know that you can get help from a specialist. Don't hesitate to ask your health practitioner for advice.
9 - Take charge of your fear of the dentist.
More than half the population has fear of the dentist to varying degrees. These range from simple discomfort to full-blown phobia and avoidance behavior. Don't hesitate to talk it over with your dentist and his or her assistant. Sometimes, a good discussion solves the problem. For anxiety and phobias, psychological treatment can be considered. There are also dentists who have been trained in a range of techniques, including hypnosis and conscious sedation, and who can offer you a reassuring video consultation.
10 - Dare orthodontics for a beautiful smile.
Are you ashamed of your teeth? Do you hide your mouth because you don't have a beautiful smile? Orthodontics isn't just for children and teenagers. It's never too late to start orthodontic treatment. The result: invaluable benefits in terms of comfort of life, conservation of teeth and gums? Make an appointment with an orthodontist for a check-up.
At HelvidentWe offer dental care for children, adults and seniors. Our team is ready to listen to your needs. Don't hesitate to contact us to consult a dentist, specialist or dental hygienist in Lausanne, Fribourg or Aigle.
