New Year’s Resolutions for a Healthy Smile

Have a brighter healthier smile in the new year!

Eating well is important to your dental health. A diet including fruits, vegetables, legumes and nuts improve your body’s ability to fight bacteria and inflammation, helping to protect your teeth and gums.

Quit smoking tobacco and smokeless tobacco. Because of new trends in smoking E-cigarettes and vaping,  it is unknown what kind of health effects may occur from nicotine ingestion and ingestion of other harmful chemicals. The good news is that the risk of tooth loss decreases after you quit.

Brushing, flossing and rinsing protect your teeth from decay and gum disease. Research shows that brushing for two minutes is the single most important method for reducing plaque and preventing cavities, gingivitis and other plaque-related diseases, Daily flossing removes plaque and food particles that cannot be reached by a toothbrush, particularly under the gumline and between teeth. Failure to do so can allow for plaque buildup in these areas – which in turn can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. Rinsing your mouth with an anti-microbial mouth rinse each day is another important step you can take to prevent gum disease (gingivitis).

Regular checkups at least twice a year, you can help prevent any dental health problems before they cause discomfort or require more comprehensive or expensive treatment.