With Valentine’s Day around the corner, there isn’t much time left to decide what kind of gift you want to get for your loved one. You could stick with the classic flowers and chocolates, but why not think outside of the box by giving them presents that will promote a happy, healthy smile? Read on for ideas for Valentine’s Day dental gifts that are sure to make them smile!

When you find a resolution that can potentially do both, now you’re on to something. When you commit to improving your oral health, it can improve your overall quality of life and save you a pretty penny when it comes to paying for dental treatments after you’ve developed problems. You can alter your daily regimen, and before long you’ve changed a problematic behavior without even thinking about it.

Keep reading for suggestions on New Year’s resolutions for a healthy smile from your dentist in Ormond Beach.

1. Step Up Your Flossing Routine

The holidays are a busy time of year, which means it’s easy to deviate from your usual routines, like flossing before bed. Although it’s never a good idea to skip flossing, your smile depends on it now more than ever because you’ll do more snacking and enjoy a few sweet treats. The more you eat, the more likely something is going to get caught between two teeth. Keep floss in your pocket or purse to make it easy to keep your gums healthy. Instead of flossing before bed, commit to reaching for your floss after every meal.

2. Skip Sticky and Sugary Foods

Taffy, caramel apples, and other sticky treats are a staple at many family gatherings, but they aren’t good for your teeth. Candy and treats aren’t the only sugary foods that can wreak havoc on your smile. Cranberry sauce, apple pie, gravy, and other Thanksgiving favorites also increase your risk of tooth decay. Indulging in sugary or starchy foods increases your smile’s exposure to cavity-causing bacteria. If you can’t ignore your sweet tooth, choose a piece of chocolate over sticky candy because it’s easier to remove from your teeth. If you can’t enjoy mashed potatoes without gravy, brush your teeth well afterward.

3. Increase Your Protein

Comfort food is great in autumn, but many popular dishes contain starch. Stuffing and dinner rolls complement any meal; however, they produce acidic bacteria that can weaken your enamel. It’s better to skip the mashed potatoes. Instead, include plenty of protein on your plate, like turkey and vegetables.

4. Drink Plenty of Water

Many people love a glass of wine with dinner, but alcohol can weaken your enamel, cause dry mouth, and compromise existing dental work. Water is an excellent alternative to promote a healthy mouth and body. You’ll stay hydrated while keeping your smile clean between brushing and flossing.

5. Commit to Your Oral Hygiene.

Keep your oral hygiene at the top of your priority list. Whether you’ll be traveling for Thanksgiving or hosting dinner, brush your teeth at least twice daily, and don’t forget to floss. If it’s time for your next cleaning and checkup, don’t wait until after the holidays to see your dentist.

Keep your smile in the spotlight on Thanksgiving by giving it a little extra care.

About Dr. Kimberly Dennis

Dr. Dennis earned her dental degree at the University of Florida College of Dentistry before continuing her training to focus on oral biology and prosthodontics. She has the advanced qualifications you can trust for the most complex oral health issues. If you’re ready to invest in a healthy smile, contact our office today.

Are you wanting a straighter smile? Many of us aren’t born with the exact smile that we’ve always dreamed of, but that’s okay. With modern dental technology, you can straighten your smile without the use of metal brackets and wires for who knows how long. Invisalign involves the use of a series of clear aligners in order to slowly shift the teeth into their new rightful locations. Continue reading to learn about the steps of the Invisalign treatment process so you know what you can expect.

It’s officially autumn, which means it’s the time of year when the smell of pumpkin spice lattes is in the air. While most of us are aware of how sugary these coffee drinks are, many people don’t consider how pumpkin spice lattes impact your teeth. Drinking them in moderation is fine, but consuming them frequently can seriously harm your smile. Keep reading below as we examine how coffee affects your dental health and how you can minimize the damage.

In this patient’s case, we were able to recommend a trustworthy dentist nearby. We’re confident Dr. Matthew Nawrocki can give this patient the same exceptional care that he has received from us. However, this patient’s question got us wondering what we would look for if we were moving to a new area and searching for a dental practice to call home. Below are some of the most important features that will ensure that your next dental home gives you the same level of quality that you’ve enjoyed here at Brown & Nawrocki.

According to the American Cancer Society, over 53,000 cases of oral cancer will be detected this year alone. Unfortunately, subsequent studies have found that 24% of patients said their dentist didn’t speak with them about risk factors at their last appointment and only 36% reported that they were screened for oral cancer. Since the survival rate doubles with early intervention, it is more important now than ever to be aware of what makes you vulnerable and how to minimize your risk!

Brushing, flossing, and visiting your dentist bi-yearly are three components of a solid dental care routine. However, to ensure your teeth and gums are in tip-top shape, it is important to keep them strong from the inside-out. Initially, avoiding poor dental habits (like smoking) and drinking plenty of water may come to mind, but eating a vitamin-rich diet and incorporating supplements as needed can play an equally important role! Read on for how vitamins can improve your oral health and which ones to take!

As the novel COVID-19 virus spread into a global pandemic, infection control measures became a part of our daily lives. Nearly overnight, face masks were required, social distancing guidelines were in place, and stay-at-home orders were mandated. However, thanks to these practices, the transition out of quarantine and into our “new normal” has begun. To keep you and your loved ones safe, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are urging the public to continue practicing proper hand hygiene both in and out of your home. Read on for the power of handwashing, step-by-step instructions, and whether hand sanitizer is equally as effective.

Dental offices are some of the cleanest, safest places that you can go to. They are held to very strict cleanliness and sanitation guidelines to always ensure beneficial, dynamic treatment for their patients. Your Ormond Beach dentists understand just how stressful the COVID-19 pandemic can be and are taking even greater precautions to protect you. You can feel confident that you’ll be in a perfectly safe environment the next time you book a dental appointment.

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