Someone once said that the only New Year’s resolution they had ever consistently kept was to give up making New Year’s resolutions. But, when it comes to dental New Year’s resolutions, here are some you will be glad you made and kept come next December 31st.
Make Routine Dental Visits
This dental New Year’s resolution only requires a couple of hours of your time twice a year and may spare you from expense and time lost that you cannot afford. A resolution to make scheduled visits to the dentist can reveal existing oral disease you were unaware of and even prevent one from ever occurring.
By visiting Weninger Dentistry every six months, your dental hygienists and dentists can monitor your oral health and implement a treatment plan should any problems be found. If need be, we can also refer you to a specialist for treatments beyond our scope of practice.
Improve Dental Hygiene Habits
What better time to establish proper dental hygiene than the New Year? Daily flossing and tooth brushing is a simple and surest way to improve your oral health. This resolution should include:
- Brush twice daily with fluoridated toothpaste and an appropriately sized, electric or manual toothbrush. Always remember that when you brush your teeth the toothbrush bristles should be positioned at a 45-degree angle toward the gum line to effectively do the job.
- Replace your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months, after you have had a cold or the flu, or when bristles are frayed.
- Floss at least once per day to remove food and bacterial plaque that accumulates throughout the day.
Daily tooth brushing and flossing will help to prevent tooth decay, gingivitis (gum disease), and halitosis (bad breath). The daily use of fluoride and antimicrobial mouth rinses also helps to improve your oral health.
Make Healthier Beverage and Food Choices
This is especially important with snacks since you may not be where you can brush your teeth after having your favorite treat. Food and beverages that are high in carbohydrates and acids can contribute to tooth decay and should be monitored carefully. When brushing is not possible, a gum or lozenge containing Xylitol can help to neutralize acids and reduce cavity-causing bacteria and plaque buildup.
Give Up Tobacco Products
If you currently smoke or use smokeless tobacco, you will do your smile and overall health a great favor if you quit. We know that giving up tobacco can prove difficult and we will be glad to offer advice on steps to take in making this important change.
Finally Get a Good Night’s Sleep
A good night’s rest helps everyone to feel, function and look better. If you consistently feel unrested after a night’s sleep your problem might be sleep apnea. Many people are unaware that their dentist is often the professional most able to identify and prescribe an answer for this common problem. If this a concern for you, make your next dental appointment the time to ask for help with your sleep loss and resulting fatigue.