Resolve to Improve Oral Health in 2019

We’re halfway through the month and statistically, Jan. 17 is D-Day for New Year’s resolutions.

That’s the day most people give up on their goals and revert to their old ways, according to Strava, a social network for athletes.

Instead of following in the path of so many others, why not treat this time of year as a reset? While you’re recommitting to those resolutions, resolve to improve your oral health in 2019, too. Here are some tips to help you in your journey.

1. Maintain a good home care regimen.

Brushing your teeth after meals and flossing daily are effective habits you can practice to keep your teeth and gums healthy between periodontal checkups. Keep a toothbrush and toothpaste in your desk at work so you can brush after lunch daily.

At home, using an electric or sonic toothbrush helps clean teeth and ensure that you brush for the proper length of time. Some brands of these toothbrushes beep to indicate when to move on to the next quadrant in your mouth, and turn off automatically after brushing for two minutes.

2. Be consistent with your maintenance and follow treatment recommendations.

If you have gum disease, periodontal checkups and cleanings are a must to help keep the disease under control by preventing it from advancing. These appointments include X-rays to see areas of your mouth that aren’t visible with the naked eye, and are useful in identifying decay in its earliest stages. These appointments also include periodontal checks for signs of gum disease, as well as treatment recommendations.

Follow through with your recommended treatment plans for periodontal therapy or tooth replacement. It will go a long way to improve your oral health and your overall health.

3. Stop using tobacco products.

This is a popular item on many people’s New Year’s resolutions lists, and we highly recommend it for its oral health benefits. Tobacco products can cause stains on teeth, gum disease, tooth loss, and oral cancer. Please call if you’d like information on smoking cessation treatments.

4. Replace missing teeth.

Failing to replace teeth that have been lost to decay or trauma can lead to other oral health problems, including shifting teeth, changes in bite, inability to chew foods properly, and loss of bone. Dental implants are the next best thing to natural teeth, and the only permanent tooth replacement option. We offer immediate tooth replacement in a single visit, as well as permanent implant solutions for dentures. Call our office today to learn more about these life-changing treatments.

5. Avoid gum disease.

Our biggest desire is to help you avoid getting periodontal disease in the first place, because it cannot be cured- only treated. A string of dental floss between your fingers is one of the most powerful weapons against gum disease. Nothing works as well at removing plaque and bits of food from between teeth and beneath the gum line between teeth. Some electric toothbrushes include special massage or gum-care cleaning modes, which also can be beneficial.

Good luck with your resolutions. We’re rooting for you!