As we begin a new year, many of us have made New Year’s resolutions—promises to better ourselves. The most popular New Year’s resolution without a doubt is to better our health. And while many join a gym or start on a health-conscious diet, there are simple things you can do to improve your dental health. Here are our top recommendations for having a bright, healthy smile.
Eat Your Fruits and Vegetables
You can eat your way to a better smile. Poor nutrition impacts your entire immune system, increasing susceptibility to many common oral disorders, including gum (periodontal) disease. Fruits, vegetables, legumes and nuts all have antioxidants and other important nutrients that can improve your body’s ability to fight bacteria and inflammation, helping to protect your teeth and gums. Crisp fruits and raw vegetables like apples, carrots and celery are nature’s toothbrush and can help clean plaque from teeth and freshen breath.
Quit All Tobacco Products
If you’ve been thinking of quitting tobacco, you have no time to waste! Make this your year, not just for your overall health, but your smile, too. Using tobacco can increase your risk for tooth discoloration, cavities, gum recession, gum disease and of course, throat, lung and oral cancer. Smokers are about twice as likely to lose their teeth as non-smokers. Smokeless tobacco can also be harmful to your oral health. The good news is that the risk of tooth loss decreases after you quit. So stop thinking about it and quit today!
Brush at Least Twice a Day and Floss at Least Once a Day
We know you hear it every time you’re in our office but it’s true! Brushing and flossing protect your teeth from decay and gum disease. Teeth have a persistent enemy: plaque. This sticky, colorless, invisible film builds up on your teeth every day and is beloved by harmful bacteria. That’s why brushing and flossing are so important for good oral health. According to the Academy of General Dentistry, only flossing can remove plaque from between teeth and below the gum line, where decay and gum disease often begins. So if you’re already great at brushing, take that important extra step and don’t forget to floss!
Come See Us for Checkups
Seeing your dentist twice a year is important to prevent minor dental health problems from becoming large, expensive problems! Regular visits allow us to monitor your oral health and recommend a dental health regimen to address areas of concern.
We resolve to treat your beautiful smile right: improve your diet, quit smoking and improve your oral hygiene habits. Your teeth and your body will thank you!
