When Dr. Sonia Sahi, General Dentist, launched Nest Dental, her vision was to create a space that reflects the ultimate comfort and escape. She wanted dental visits to feel like a spa day instead of a chore.
Now, more than two years after opening our doors, our cozy dental studio continues to embody that vision—offering patients a serene, supportive environment where going to the dentist feels like an act of self-care, not just another task on the to-do list.
As winter settles in, it’s the perfect time to embrace the concept of smile self-care. From staying hydrated to incorporating mindfulness into your oral hygiene routine, prioritizing healthy teeth and gums is an empowering way to nurture yourself during the holiday season and beyond.
In this blog, we’re sharing simple self-care tips that will improve your oral health and wellness.
1. Spice Up Your Hydration
Adequate hydration is good for every system in your body, your mouth included! Drinking water helps to wash away food debris and plaque and stimulates saliva production, which is key for remineralizing the teeth.
Bored of plain water? Well, since we’re talking self-care, take a page from your favorite spa and try infused water instead. Here are some easy, refreshing options:
For frigid winter days, a steaming cup of green tea will warm you up, deliver hydration and antioxidants, and even support periodontal health. While drinking lots of tea can dull the enamel over time, rinsing your mouth with water after having a cup, maintaining good oral hygiene, and keeping up with professional dental cleanings will minimize staining and maintain your smile’s brightness.
2. Extend Your Everything Shower to Your Mouth
AAre you familiar with the TikTok-famous “everything shower?” Even if you’re not, you probably practiced it yourself at some point. It’s the kind of shower where you luxuriate under the hot water and indulge in the full range of rituals, including exfoliating, shampooing, deep conditioning, shaving, and moisturizing.
Try expanding your everything shower to include your mouth. Once your hair and skin are clean and moisturized, give your teeth and gums the VIP treatment:
- Clean between your teeth and around your gum line with a water flosser, followed by traditional dental floss.
- Brush gently using fluoride toothpaste. Be sure to give each individual tooth attention.
- Scrape your tongue with a tongue scraper to freshen your breath and remove bacteria and dead skin cells.
- Swish with mouthwash to get the ultimate clean feeling.
3. Treat Yourself to Fresh Oral Hygiene Supplies
Elevate your oral health routine with beautiful, high-quality supplies that bring a bit of joy to your daily dental care, such as:
- Cocofloss Dental Floss – This dentist-created floss is colourful, delicious, and super effective. Plus, with refills available, it’s environmentally friendly too.
- Gunkii Luxury Tongue Scraper – Scrape away bacteria and gunk from your tongue in style. Crafted with precision and made from premium materials, Gunkii blends functionality with aesthetics. Get yours at our office!
- A Stunning Electric Toothbrush – There are so many design-forward, gorgeous electric toothbrushes on the market today. Whether you want something splurge-worthy or sleek and cost-effective, our team can provide you with personalized recommendations.
4. Brush Your Teeth Mindfully
Mindfulness is a state of being completely present and aware in the moment. According to the National Institutes for Health, practicing mindfulness can have a positive impact on your health and well-being. It’s been shown to reduce anxiety and potentially even lower blood pressure.
You don’t need to carve out an hour to meditate daily to reap the benefits. Start small by transforming brushing your teeth into a two-minute mindfulness practice. Instead of thinking about what happened earlier in the day or what you have to do later:
- Notice the color of your sink, the scent of your toothpaste, and the sound of your toothbrush.
- Gently bring your awareness to the sensations involved in brushing your teeth. Feel your arm moving the toothbrush and the bristles gliding over your teeth.
- When your mind wanders, notice your thoughts without judgment and bring your attention back to the act of brushing.
5. Start the New Year With a Dental Cleaning and Exam
Kick off your winter wellness journey with a dental cleaning and exam at Nest. Relax in one of our private treatment rooms with noise-cancelling headphones, a plush blanket, and your favourite TV show or podcast. During your visit, one of our experienced hygienists will remove plaque and tartar, and brush and floss your teeth, leaving you with a healthier, brighter smile.
Our Vancouver dentist will then assess your oral health, perform an oral cancer screening, and offer personalized recommendations for home care. It’s the ideal way to start the New Year with confidence and peace of mind.
6. Nourish Yourself With Smile-Friendly Foods
Don’t overlook the role of nutrition in oral health. A diet high in sugar and refined starches increases the risk of tooth decay.
Swap a few sweet and starchy treats with foods that strengthen teeth like:
- Nuts: Rich in calcium and phosphorus for strong enamel
- Crunchy veggies: Natural plaque removers that stimulate saliva production
- Cheese: Full of calcium and helps neutralize cavity-causing acids
These satisfying options are perfect for winter and promote healthy teeth and gums.
7. Create a Bedtime Brushing Ritual
Take your mindful brushing to the next level by turning your nightly oral health routine into a soothing pre-sleep ritual. Dim the lights, play relaxing music, then floss, brush, and rinse before finishing off with a swipe of hydrating lip balm.
Ending the day with intentional self-care can help you relax. Additionally, according to the Harvard Medical School Division of Sleep Medicine, establishing a calming, bedtime routine may improve sleep quality.
8. Give Your Smile a Winter Makeover
Considering a straighter smile? With Invisalign® at Nest Dental, you can achieve beautifully aligned teeth and boost your confidence in a spa-like atmosphere. Our Vancouver Invisalign providers will create a customized treatment plan tailored to your needs, helping you transform your smile without disrupting your lifestyle.
Start treatment by January 31, 2025, and save $750 on Invisalign!
Book an Appointment at Nest Dental on Fraser Street for Even More Smile Self-Care!
Practicing smile self-care this season, whether by staying hydrated or elevating your oral health routine, can make a big difference in your overall wellness.
At Nest Dental, we’re here to support you on your journey to a healthy, radiant smile. Book an appointment today to experience dental done differently!
