We all make new year’s resolutions, but many of us are not likely to follow through. Turning over a new leaf in the New Year can be tricky, but finding a way to stick with it is important when that new leaf benefits your health. If you want to take better care when looking after your teeth and gums this year, these resolutions can keep you diligent:
Visit the Dentist Twice a Year
A resolution to make routine visits to the dentist may help prevent oral disease or reveal an existing disease in its early stage. Dental visits should take place every 6 months to allow your dentist and dental hygienists to monitor the condition of your oral cavity and develop an appropriate treatment plan to meet your wants and needs.
Commit to Brushing & Flossing Twice a Day
Brushing and flossing protect your teeth from decay and gum disease, which is caused by your teeth’s most persistent enemy, plaque – a sticky, colorless, invisible film of harmful bacteria that builds up on your teeth every day. Both brushing and flossing are equally important for good oral health. Only flossing can remove plaque from between teeth and below the gum line, where decay and gum disease often begins. Without proper brushing and flossing, you may develop bleeding gums, which may worsen to severely swollen, red, bleeding gums (gingivitis) and, eventually, gum disease. Because diseases of the mouth can affect the rest of your body, it is especially important to maintain good oral health. Remember to floss first & brush second!
Kick the Habit
Quitting cigarette smoking and smokeless tobacco use is important for improving your oral and overall health. There is no better time than the present to make a resolution to stop tobacco use. Consider free online tools, smoking cessation groups, progress-tracking apps and support from friends and family to assist you with tobacco cessation.
Eat More Mouth-Health Foods
Eating well is important for your dental health. Poor nutrition can affect the entire immune system, increasing susceptibility to many common oral disorders, including gum (periodontal) disease. Antioxidants and other nutrients found in fruits, vegetables, legumes and nuts improve your body’s ability to fight bacteria and inflammation, helping to protect your teeth and gums. In addition, crisp fruits and raw vegetables like apples, carrots and celery help clean plaque from teeth and freshen breath.
Make Smarter Beverage Choices
Frequent consumption of beverages containing carbohydrates and carbonation, like soda, contributes to tooth decay. Limit your soda intake and always brush your teeth after drinking sugary or carbonated drinks.
Improve Your Smile
There are several smile-improving techniques that you can use while you brush and floss. In recent years, tooth whitening has acquired enormous popularity. It enhances the appearance of teeth by removing deep (intrinsic) or surface (extrinsic) stains. There are a number of tooth whitening products that can be purchased over-the-counter (OTC) for at-home use and higher performance products administered by a dentist or dispensed by a dentist for at-home use.
And finally, SMILE more! It has been scientifically proven that a simple smile can boost our moods, relieve stress, and even strengthen our immune system!
Stick to your New Year’s Resolutions and give us a call our office at (562) 434-6414 to schedule your bi-annual checkup!
