VANCOUVER, BC — The big ball drops. A new year begins. For millions of people, this moment is a time of reflection and optimism for better days. This hopefulness more often than not embodies itself as the New Year's Resolution. But, as we all know New Year's Resolutions are often hard to keep. People often make commitments beyond their capabilities or ambition, and the New Year’s Resolution becomes a source of failure rather than renewed confidence.
Dr. Aly Kanani, a
Vancouver braces expert likes to remind his patients and friends that one of the easiest and most beneficial New Year’s Resolutions is right under their noses, literally.
By making just a couple of easy changes to your daily routine and giving yourself just a few friendly reminders each day, dental hygiene will not only provide major health benefits, it will be a positive step towards a better you and an admirable New Year’s Resolution achieved.
Hygiene At HomeSome simple commitments at home can pay big dividends in oral health. According to the Canadian Dental Association (CDA), making sure to brush after meals and at least two times a day plays a big part in removing food and bacteria from the teeth and gum line. If plaque is left unaccounted for, it can turn into a hardened substance (tartar), and cavities can form, which leads to tooth decay and even tooth loss.
Flossing regularly is just as important to oral hygiene as brushing your teeth. Often, food gets trapped where a broad toothbrush can’t reach. Combined, flossing and brushing greatly increases the overall cleanliness of teeth and gums.
“For some reason most people think that brushing is enough to keep cavities away,” says Dr. Kanani. “But, to promote a healthy mouth, people need to invest in brushing, flossing, and rinsing. I guarantee that if you do all these things, you will feel a difference in the way your teeth feel.”
Mouthwash and rinses can vary drastically in their effectiveness. With antimicrobial rinses and cosmetic rinses producing different effects on the mouth, individuals should consult with their dentist about the right choice and frequency of use notes Dr. Kanani.
Another helpful at-home hygiene tip is to examine your mouth on a routine basis. Recognizing any new problems can prevent bigger problems before they erupt.
Work/School HygieneWe spend at least one-third of our daily lives at school or at work. This is a significant amount of time, so it is important to dedicate some of your time away from home maintaining good dental habits.
After lunch, a quick floss and/or brushing can go a long way. “Cleaning your teeth at work or school is incredibily important, but many people leave dental hygiene to the comfort of their own bathrooms,” says
Surrey orthodontist Dr. Kanani. “Unfortunately, without cleaning after those cafeteria lunches or company lunches, food and plaque will be festering in your mouth all day long."
People undergoing orthodontic treatment should especially focus on brushing and/or flossing after every meal adds Dr. Kanani, a Vancouver, BC orthodontics practitioner. Using either a toothbrush or special orthodontic flosser, those with braces or
Invisalign should maintain their orthodontic equipment diligently.
“One of the worst things an adult or child can do is neglect their orthodontics,” says Dr. Kanani, a
Vancouver Invisalign specialist. “Foreign objects in the mouth like braces and Invisalign trays can become a hotbed for bacteria. Orthodontics are meant to enhance a patient’s smile, but without good habits the patient will most likely have other dental problems besides teeth misalignments.”
Those with braces should practice brushing above, below, and around their braces and wires as much as possible, especially after meals. Rinses also help loosen any food particles adds Dr. Kanani, a
Langley braces specialist. Invisalign patients should clean their Invisalign trays by brushing them before putting them on and soaking them in a special cleaner or mouthwash frequently.
Keep Dental AppointmentsPerhaps the hardest habit to keep is routinely visiting the dentist. Though many people don’t like visiting the dentist, it is highly important to prevent any serious dental problems before they arise.
“Many people think that if they have great dental habits that they don’t need to visit their dentist,” says
Langley orthodontics practitioner Dr. Kanani, who was a general dentist before becoming a Certified Specialist in Vancouver, BC orthodontics. “Unfortunately, our teeth and gums can degrade with time. Through the bloodstream, teeth and gums can become infected regardless of brushing and flossing habits. But, dental checkups don’t take much time, are generally painless, and can prevent serious complications.”
Common knowledge suggests that people should have a dental appointment every six months, however, this number can vary depending on several factors adds Dr. Kanani. Depending on oral health, genetics, and habits, a dentist may suggest appointments anywhere from six times per year to two per year.
Learn MoreTo learn more about dental hygiene and how straighter teeth can lead to healthier gums, easier flossing, and ultimately fewer decay and bite problems, visit Vancouver, BC orthodontist Dr. Aly Kanani’s Web sites:
http://www.guildfordorthodontics.com,
http://www.langleyorthodontics.com/ or
http://www.vancouverorthodontics.com/. To speak with a staff member, call 1-604-629-0452 to schedule a consultation at the Vancouver Orthodontics office in Vancouver, BC. For Dr. Kanani’s Langley Orthodontics practice, call 1-604-533-6696. For those seeking an orthodontist or Invisalign invisible braces specialist in Surrey, B.C., Dr. Kanani can be consulted at the
Guildford Orthodontic Centre, which can be reached by calling 1-604-589-2212.
About Dr. Aly KananiDr. Aly Kanani was born and raised in the Lower Mainland Area. He has a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc) degree in Physiology from McGill University and received a Masters of Science (M.Sc) from the London School of Economics in England. He received his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree (D.M.D.) and also completed his Masters in Education degree (MS.Ed) at the University of Pennsylvania. Furthermore, he has nearly completed his Masters in Public Health degree (M.P.H.) from Johns Hopkins University. Dr. Kanani graduated from the University of Detroit Mercy with a Masters of Science degree in Orthodontics (MS.Ortho) and a Specialty Certification in Orthodontics (Cert.Ortho).
Dr. Kanani previously taught clinical orthodontics to dental students at the University of British Columbia Dental School. He has also taught in various capacities at both McGill University and at the University of Detroit Mercy, in Michigan. His research has been published in the premiere journal of orthodontics in North America, the American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics.
He was the recipient of the Rajiv Gandhi Foundation Scholarship to conduct oral health research in New Delhi; the prestigious Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award presented to him by His Royal Highness Prince Phillip, The Duke of Edinburgh; and has achieved status as a Board Certified Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics, a recognition held by fewer than 15% of practicing orthodontists worldwide. Furthermore, he is a Premier Provider of Invisalign in BC (British Columbia) placing him in the top 5% of Invisalign experienced orthodontists and dentists in North America.
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