05 Jan Get a Good Start on Your New Year’s Resolution to Maintain Oral Health
Many people are not aware that there is a direct correlation between dental health and your overall health. Since the two are so closely linked, it would make good sense that taking care of one aspect of health would lead to taking care of the other. But this doesn’t always occur. A common new year’s resolution is to go to the gym or lose weight; but a much simpler commitment that would do wonders for your health and appearance would be a commitment to your dental health … daily brushing and flossing and visiting your dentist every six months for cleaning and exam.
Taking care of your teeth doesn’t require a big overhaul. If you have been neglectful, it’s time to obtain the correct tools from your local store and get started. Those tools include:
- Toothbrush – A soft bristle toothbrush is best. Don’t worry about technique (although focusing on a few teeth at a time using circular strokes is best); just get started. An electronic toothbrush is a great asset. It actually will do the work. You just guide it to reach all areas of your mouth. Most come with a built-in timer so you will brush the full two minutes recommended.
- Dental Floss – While brushing is important, you only reach about two thirds of your teeth’s surface with your toothbrush. Flossing between teeth is needed to reach what your toothbrush misses. In addition to removing food debris your brush didn’t get, correct flossing will stimulate gum tissue which will enhance your dental health.
- Fluoridated Toothpaste – There are a lot of pastes or gels to choose from; find one that you like and you will be more inclined to use it.
Don’t wait until January 1 to review your daily diet. Sugary beverages and snacks can sabotage your waistline as well as your oral health. Save them for special occasions … drink water and enjoy healthier snacks like fruits and vegetables, proteins like nuts, dairy like low sugar yogurt or milk and healthy grains.
Finally, make an appointment with your dentist. Many patients are embarrassed because they have not seen the dentist for years … but when your oral and overall health are at risk, do yourself a favor and don’t wait until the new year to get a jump start on your dental care.
Don’t wait to contact us at Aesthetic Dental Partners today!