New Year, New Dental Health Habits
It’s the start of a new year, and what better time than to start thinking about your dental health habits? If you haven’t considered making any New Year’s resolutions in relation to your dental care, now is the time! Taking steps to improve your dental health is a critical part of overall fitness, so the team at Archbold Family Dental would like to share with you five New Year’s resolutions for you to consider.
Brush and floss daily
Did you know that gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss and that nearly 46% of all adults aged 30 years or older show signs of gum disease with severe gum disease affecting about 9% of adults? Daily brushing and flossing can actually help prevent gum disease, so if you aren’t already doing so, the start of the New Year is the perfect time to start. Improving your daily oral care is a simple way to improve your health and have fresher breath.
It is recommended that brushing your teeth for two full minutes at least twice daily will help prevent plaque from building up and causing teeth decay. Consider using an electric toothbrush with a built-in timer or humming a verse of your favorite song to get the full two minutes.
Limit your tobacco and alcohol intake
We already know that tobacco use and frequent binge drinking can influence your overall health, but it can also affect your oral health. Tobacco can increase your risk for tooth discoloration, cavities, gum disease, and throat, lung, and oral cancer. Drinking too much alcohol can lead to an increased risk of tooth decay and erosion. Some alcoholic beverages like red wine can also stain your teeth if consumed too much. Quitting tobacco and alcohol cold turkey can be difficult, so try limiting your intake if you’re able to. Your oral and overall health will be sure to thank you!
Invest in your smile
Now that the holidays are over and the red wines and hard candies are finished, consider getting a teeth whitening to start the new year off bright! Certain foods and drinks can cause your teeth to take on a yellowish look, so getting your teeth whitened can reverse color-related issues and can restore the white, bright look of your teeth.
One of the best resolutions you can make for yourself this year is to see your dentist regularly! There’s no better time than to start making regular dental appointments to make sure your teeth are in tip-top shape. If dental anxiety is keeping you from visiting your dentist, the team at Archbold Family Dental can help you overcome your fear. We offer several forms of anxiety-reducing management, so don’t let your fear keep you from getting proper oral health care.
Let’s start the new year off right with new dental habits to improve your dental health! Contact us today to schedule your dental appointment.