Below is an excerpt from an article found on mouthhealthy.org What does ringing in the new year have to do with being mouth healthy?  More than you may think. Did you know that you should replace your toothbrush every three to four months? Bristles that become frayed and worn are less effective at cleaning your teeth. That means, celebrating the new year with a brand new toothbrush is actually smart dental hygiene. Here are MouthHealthy resolutions: Start brushing 2min2x . Always brush twice a day for two minutes for healthier teeth, good breath, fewer cavities, and to avoid painful dental problems.  Floss daily . Flossing is part of being mouth healthy. Chew sugarless gum . Chewing sugarless gum for 20 minutes following meals can help prevent tooth decay. Eat a healthy diet . Eat a balanced diet and limit between-meal snacks. Drink fluoridated water . Fluoride helps prevent cavities by making teeth more resistant to the acid attacks that cause cavities. See ...

Keeping Your Toothbrush for Too Long  The ADA recommends changing your toothbrush every 3-4 months, so make a resolution to change your toothbrush with every season this year. Frayed and broken bristles won’t keep your teeth clean-these are signs it’s time to let go. When you’re shopping, look for one with the ADA Seal of Acceptance. Not Brushing Long Enough  Speed demons, listen up! Your teeth should be brushed for a full two minutes, twice per day. Most of us fall short -the average time most people spend brushing is 45 seconds. If you’re racing through cleaning, try setting a timer. Or distract yourself by humming your favorite tune! Brushing Too Hard  Be gentle with your teeth. You may think brushing harder will remove more leftover food and the bacteria that loves to eat it, but a gentle brushing is all that’s needed. Too much pressure may damage your gums. To read the entire article visit MouthHealthy.org. Vista Dental Care...

#3: Limit your alcohol intake  ’Tis the season for egg nog, Brandy Alexanders and glog! If you choose to imbibe, try to drink water alongside your drinks. And remember: Too much alcohol can dry out your mouth.  #4: Take it easy on the hard candies  Some candies are more problematic than others. Hard candies can put your teeth at risk because in addition to being full of sugar, they’ve also been known to cause broken or chipped teeth. (Be careful not to break or chip your teeth when eating nuts as well!)  To read the entire article visit  MouthHealthy.org . Vista Dental Care      Chad Aitken, DMD 280-5201 43 St. Red Deer, AB T4N 1C7 (855) 636-9223    VistaDentalCare.ca

Below is an excerpt from an article found on MouthHealthy.org . Stay on a routine  Whether your kids are staying up to catch fireflies or a fireworks show, resist the temptation to skip brushing before a late bedtime -or let it slide when they sleep in the next morning. “Don’t forget about your smile over the summer,” says ADA pediatric dentist Dr. Mary Hayes. “It’s important for families to consistently brush and floss, which keeps kids on track for healthy back-to-school dental visits.”  Say no to sugary drinks and snacks  As the temperature rises, it’s common for families to sip and snack during sports tournaments, festivals or nearly any community event. “Watch your family’s intake of lemonade, juice and soda,” says Dr. Hayes. “Consider sugary drinks treats to enjoy once in a while, and not often.” Instead, offer water (even better if it has fluoride) to beat the heat, or milk to drink with meals. And, don’t let summertime grazing damage your child’s smile. “Tak...