The most common New Year’s resolutions in America are: save money, lose weight/exercise, get a new job or hobby, and make new friends. We know that many of you are already working diligently to begin fulfilling your New Year’s resolutions. While we want to cheer you on towards your goals, we also want you to consider another resolution—take care of your oral health. It’s never too late to enhance your smile by resolving to care for your teeth and gums. Here are five things you can do this year that will really give you something to smile about.
1. Revamp your Habits
Make sure you are brushing your teeth at least twice a day to successfully remove plaque. You may need to upgrade your toothbrush to an electric toothbrush or trade your old, frayed toothbrush for a new, soft-bristled brush. Try a new toothpaste that has fluoride to improve your oral health. If you tend to brush too hard, you risk scraping off the enamel. So this year, brush your teeth gently, at a 45-degree angle to your gum line. If you do not consistently floss, add in this important discipline. Flossing removes food, plaque, and bacteria that accumulates in between your teeth. Good brushing and flossing habits protect you from gingivitis, cavities, tooth decay, and bad breath.
2. Adjust your Diet
This is not only a suggestion for those who want to lose weight but for those who want to improve their oral health. It’s a win-win! There are certain foods and beverages that can be detrimental to your oral health and should be consumed with caution. Foods that are high in carbohydrates, as well as foods and drinks that are high in acidity and sugar lead to plaque build up and tooth decay. Limit your consumption of these products, or avoid them entirely. If you consume these foods and beverages, especially when snacking, it’s important to brush your teeth afterward.
3. Stop Tobacco Use
Smoking cigarettes and using smokeless tobacco are known causes of gum disease. Infection can get underneath your gums and even damage the bone structure that supports your teeth. Let this be the year you stop smoking and using tobacco. This decision will enhance your overall physical and oral health as well as your oral hygiene. Lean on friends and family for support, download an app to help you track your progress, and utilize free online resources and support groups.
4. Schedule Appointments for Restorative Dentistry
Have you been putting off a simple oral procedure? This is the year to get that filling, crown, or implant you just haven’t made the time for. These simple actions can improve your oral health by protecting tooth alignment or structure. At Anderson & Atkins, DDS, we work with most major insurance companies. You can call our front office to find the answer to your financial questions and schedule the appointment you know you need to make.
5. Come See Us Regularly
We recommend scheduling a dentist appointment every six months. A routine visit can prevent gum disease, tooth decay, and significantly reduce the number of procedures you may need. When our team of dentists and oral hygienists see you regularly, we can discover—and treat— gum disease early, or anticipate and monitor problem areas before they become a major issue.
Don’t wait until your gums or teeth are painful before you contact us. Call Anderson and Atkins, DDS at (979)846-1813 to make an appointment for routine cleaning. We are also accepting new patients, so if this is the year you’re ready to take your oral health seriously, come see us!
Sources: https://www.abcactionnews.com/news/national/these-are-the-top-new-years-resolutions-for-2019
https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/life-stages/adult-oral-care/a-new-years-you-dental-health-resolutions-0114
https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/campaign/tips/diseases/periodontal-gum-disease.html