New Year, New You
With the New Year here, you may have already begun to think about your New Year’s resolutions. Many people set new goals about having a healthier lifestyle in the new year. Why not make one of your New Year’s resolutions improving your dental health? Healthy resolutions can keep your teeth healthy, and any of the following strategies will go a long way toward giving you a brighter, healthier smile in the coming year.
- Eat Plenty of Fruits and Vegetables. Poor nutrition can affect the entire immune system, increasing susceptibility to many common oral disorders, including gum (periodontal) disease.
- Quit Smoking or Using other Tobacco Products. Smokers are about twice as likely to lose their teeth as non-smokers. The good news is that the risk of tooth loss decreases after you quit smoking or using smokeless tobacco.
- Limit your Alcohol Intake. Excessive alcohol intake can influence your overall health, but did you know that it may also affect your oral health? According to the Academy of General Dentistry, those who smoke, eat poorly and consume excessive alcohol also have increased gum recession.
- Brush at Least Twice a Day and Floss at Least Once a Day. Both brushing and flossing are equally important for good oral health. Flossing can remove plaque from between teeth and below the gumline, where decay and gum disease often begins.
- See your Dentist for Regular Checkups. By seeing your dentist at least twice a year, you can help prevent any dental health problems before they cause discomfort or require more comprehensive or expensive treatment. Regular visits allow your dentist to monitor your oral health and recommend a dental health regimen to address areas of concern.
For this New Year, resolve to treat your mouth right: improve your diet, quit smoking and improve your oral hygiene habits – your teeth and your body will thank you for it!