With a few simple changes to your daily routine, and a few visits to our office, you can maintain good oral health and a brighter smile in 2026. Which is why we want you to make some resolutions for your oral health. In today’s blog, your Ankeny, IA, dentist talks about boosting your oral health in 2026.
Time for Better At-Home Oral Hygiene Habits
Taking the time to really care for your teeth at home can help fight tooth decay and gum disease, and even limit the risk of bad breath and teeth stains. This home care routine starts with brushing your teeth when you wake up. You should do so for about two minutes, and use a toothbrush with soft bristles and a toothpaste that contains fluoride, which keeps the teeth strong. This should also be done before you go to bed.
People often forget to floss, but this is crucial for fighting gum disease and keeping your smile strong, as this removes what is beyond the reach of a toothbrush. Every evening before you brush that second time, be sure you floss up and down each side of every tooth, and then dip the floss beneath the gum line to extract trapped particles. You can also help by cutting back in the sugar and starch in your diet!
Your First Checkup of the Year
We also recommend scheduling that first checkup and cleaning visit of 2026. You can then start a new year on the path to a new smile! With the exam, we take a close look at your teeth, gums, and oral structures with digital imaging technology, making a diagnosis with precision and accuracy. When we find issues like cavities, gum disease, or even TMJ disorder and bruxism (teeth grinding), we can create a treatment plan to address them and keep your smile whole and strong.
In the same sitting, we also take time to clean your teeth, a process that removes all plaque and tartar from the teeth to prevent bad breath, stained teeth, cavities, and even gum disease. This is helpful for patients of all ages, including kids as young as age two!
Do You Have Serious Concerns?
What if you have a serious concern that needs attention? Our team could treat cavities in one visit with a filling, and take on damage or more severe decay with a custom crown. We can use an oral appliance to ease the symptoms of TMJ disorder and stop teeth grinding, and with cosmetic treatment we can brighten teeth and address issues with the shape and structure of your smile too. If you have missing teeth, we can replace them!
Dental Impressions Wants to Help Your Smile in 2026
We would love to help you and your family make the most of your smiles in 2026! To schedule an appointment for better smiles in the New Year, then call Dental Impressions in Ankeny, IA today at (515) 965-0230.
