New Year’s Resolutions
The NEW YEAR and a new opportunity to take better care of your teeth. While improving your health by losing weight, or quitting smoking are excellent resolutions as well, improving your dental health and preventing tooth decay can have a larger impact on your overall health.
Tooth decay doesn’t receive a lot of publicity, but it impacts a large percentage of the population. Evidence regarding the relationship between poor oral health, gum disease, cavities, plaque buildup, etc., and other issues within the body has been increasing more and more each year. For this year’s resolution, take into consideration the following tips to improve oral health:
- Make sure you are brushing your teeth at least two times each day – after breakfast in the morning and before you go to bed at night are the best times.
- To make sure you are brushing long enough, time yourself for a minimum of three minutes each time you brush.
- Purchase toothpaste that contains fluoride- it’s great for oral health. And don’t try to overload the toothbrush with toothpaste – a small amount works just fine.
- When purchasing a toothbrush, try to find one with a smaller head so you can reach the back teeth more easily. Soft-bristled is also highly recommended.
- If flossing isn’t a priority, it’s time to make a change. Flossing is essential for reaching the areas between the teeth that the toothbrush can’t reach.
- Limit your consumption of sugar and starchy foods and start this year off right! Think about your diet and how it impacts your teeth.
- As always, visit your dentist regularly so they can help pinpoint and treat any potential problems early. Not to mention, regular cleanings will keep plaque from building up as well.
Start fresh for this New Year’s resolution and make an effort to take better care of your mouth and teeth. The brighter smile will not only give you more confidence, but your body will thank you for an overall improvement in health. Limit your consumption of sugar and starchy foods and start this year off right!
Hope this list helps, and if you need to see a dentist in Brooklyn, give us a call today: (718) 339-6000