Three Dental Resolutions for a Happy, Healthy New Year

It is December and that means that the new year is right around the corner.  Time to make those resolutions that will may our new year happier and healthier.  When it comes to your dental health, there are three resolutions you can make that will have a tremendous impact on your long-term dental health.

Resolution #1

Visit your dentist at least twice during this upcoming year for a professional dental cleaning and dental examination.  Visiting your dentist every six months is one of the most important things you can do to safeguard your dental health and increase your chances of keeping your teeth for a lifetime.  Visiting the dentist regularly provides your dentist with an opportunity to detect and treat problems such as tooth decay, periodontal disease and oral cancer, before they have caused irreversible damage to your teeth, gums and your overall health.  Regular dental cleanings will also help to remove the plaque and tartar that naturally accumulates on the surfaces of your teeth.

Resolution #2

Commit to brushing and flossing your teeth daily.  Thoroughly flossing your teeth at least one time each day and thoroughly brushing your teeth at least twice daily will go a long way in preventing serious dental health issues.  Putting this time in everyday can save you the time, pain, hassle and expense associated with dental health problems such as tooth decay, periodontal disease, infected teeth and tooth loss.

Resolution #3

Quit smoking or using tobacco products.  Smoking is not only bad for your overall health, it is really bad for your dental health.  Smoking can make you more susceptible to periodontal disease which can ultimately lead to tooth loss.  Smoking and using other tobacco products also significantly increases your risk for oral cancer, a serious and sometimes fatal disease.  Smoking and using other tobacco products can also cause your teeth to become dingy, stained and discolored.

This new year, consider making three resolutions that will improve your dental health and help you to have a happier, healthier new year!