Your Dental Hygiene: Naughty or Nice?

Christmas is right around the corner. That means that Santa and his elves are watching every move you make to see if you should be on the “Naughty” or “Nice” list this year. Santa is very concerned about your dental hygiene and your dental health. Will your dental hygiene land you on the “Nice” list this year, or does it need a little bit of work? If it needs work, don’t worry…there is still time before Christmas to get off of the “Naughty” list. Read on to find out how.

Are you brushing your teeth thoroughly at least two times each day? Are you flossing your teeth thoroughly at least one time each day (preferably right before you go to sleep)? Are you visiting your dentist at least every six months for a dental cleaning and exam? Are you getting a new toothbrush (or replacing the head on an electronic toothbrush) at least every three months? Are you eating a healthy, well-balance diet and moderating your intake of soda and other sugary treats? Are you making your dentist aware of any changes in your mouth? If you answered yes to all of these questions, you are in great shape. You will definitely make the “Nice” list this year! Maybe Santa will even bring you a new toothbrush in your stocking. If you answered no to one or more of these questions, you might be on the “Naughty” list. This means you can expect a lump of coal in your stocking unless you start changing your habits today!

In all seriousness, your dental hygiene is vitally important to your long-term dental health. Failure to practice proper daily oral hygiene can cause painful and expensive dental health problems including tooth decay, periodontal disease and tooth loss. If you are not doing all you can do to protect your dental health, talk to your dentist today about how you can do better. Ho! Ho! Ho! and Merry Christmas.