The outset of a new year is an ideal time to make positive changes in your life. For this reason, you will note an increase in the amount of gym traffic and hear all sorts of promises from friends and family explaining their desire to transform in one way or the other for the better. Although traditionally these resolutions for betterment are relegated to physical fitness, this isn’t the only area worthy of improvement at the genesis of a new year. They can include dental health goals as well. Let 2020 be the year you commit to making your dental health a priority. Now’s the time to take control of your oral health and subsequently improve your overall wellbeing. Read on to learn more:
1. Consider Regular Dental Visits
Routine dental visits of at least once every six months are vital for dental health. By maintaining regular visits and an ongoing relationship with your dentist and hygienist, you ensure any and all conditions and/or problems are recognized early and addressed promptly. These visits are your first line of defense against cavities as well as other more serious dental conditions and even oral cancer. It’s that important to make regular visits a new habit. This recommendation is backed by the American Dental Association and is based on various studies, including one entitled “Patient Stratification for Preventative Care in Dentistry.” It’s common to fear going to the dentist. Consequently, many people put off visits for regular cleanings. Keep in mind, though, the longer you wait to deal with a dental matter, the harder it will be to correct. Tell your dentist you are nervous. Talk to them and communicate your fears. Often, you will find simply airing them and getting reassurance from the professionals will be enough to calm your nerves.
2. Make Flossing And Brushing Twice Daily a Priority
Dental experts, like the professionals at our Florham Park office, recommend you brush your teeth at least twice daily. Healthy teeth require regular brushing in order to remove the bacterial plaque that can cause cavities and bad breath. Flossing is also an important part of keeping your teeth clean. You might assume it isn’t necessary, but without flossing, there are areas between the teeth that simply won’t get clean enough with brushing alone. If you don’t like the feeling of traditional floss, you can always opt for a water pick instead. Keep gum disease and bad breath away by making a resolution to brush and floss daily. Here are some tips for brushing your teeth to keep in mind: In general, it’s a good idea to replace your toothbrush every three to four months. Also, make sure you position the bristles at a 45-degree angle, moving towards your gum line. (If you have been sick, even if your toothbrush is less than three months old, it’s a good idea to throw it away and use a fresh one.) Also, if you simply don’t care for the way a traditional toothbrush feels on your teeth, this year is a great time to experiment with an electric option, or a professional variety from your dentist’s office.
3. Choose Beverages and Food Wisely
Another resolution that will positively impact your dental health moving into the new year is the choices you make regarding food and drinks. Acids as well as carbohydrates can lead to tooth decay. Therefore, avoiding them when possible will improve your dental health…as well as help your waistline. If you simply can’t help yourself when it comes to the occasional sweet or carb, just make sure to brush your teeth after consuming unhealthy foods and drink. It’s also important to drink plenty of water, as this improves not only your overall health but your dental health as well.
4. Improve Your Smile
Your smile can be the first characteristic people notice about you. If you are ashamed of your smile because your teeth are in poor condition, stained, or they are crooked, you can make some changes going into the new year to counteract these issues and get some relief. If your teeth are stained due to diet or other factors, you can try whitening services. This professional service will remove both surface and deep or intrinsic stains on the teeth, enhancing your smile. The two main ways to whiten your teeth are either peroxide-containing bleaching treatment or whitening toothpaste. Ask your dentist which option would work best for you. Another way to improve your smile if your teeth are not lining up properly are braces. This can correct teeth that are misaligned as well as correct an abnormality within your mouth due to injury or just genetics. Not only do braces make your smile straight and pristine, serving a cosmetic purpose, they also help to improve your overall dental health by reducing crowding, so your brushing efforts are more effective. If you aren’t a good candidate for braces or you don’t feel your teeth need a boost in terms of color, you might instead be perfect for restorative dentistry. This type of service includes filling, implants and crowns. Restorative dentistry can help you rejuvenate a long gone smile and improve the appearance and functionality of your teeth. If you tend to hide your smile behind your lips or try to cover your mouth when speaking because you are embarrassed about your teeth, restorative dentistry can help. Allow us, through the use of various dental innovations and methods, give you your smile back.
5. Stop Using Tobacco Products
Tobacco products, even those that are smokeless in nature, are extremely damaging to your teeth and your overall oral health. Make 2020 the year you quit using tobacco products altogether. Not only will this improve your dental health immensely, it will also mean a great deal to your physical health. Admittedly, stopping an addictive habit such as tobacco use is easier said than done. Thankfully, there are progress tracking apps, support groups and online tools you can utilize to make the process easier and to increase your chance of success.
Putting Your Resolutions Into Actions: Your Next Step
Let A Healthy Smile Dentistry walk alongside you this new year. Together we can create a whole new way of prioritizing your dental health. Don’t go one more year without making some positive changes regarding your overall dental health. Contact us today to learn more and to set up a visit to our Florham Park office. Call 973-377-2222. Don’t wait, call today.