Have you gotten out your pen and paper to write down your New Years’ Resolutions? This is a great time to reset your life and make this your best year ever. We hope you include your dental health in your resolutions. No matter what condition your teeth are in, there is usually room for improvement. Let's take a look at some things you might do to improve your dental health:
#1 Brush, brush, brush!
According to the American Dental Association, you should brush your teeth at least 2 times a day with a soft-bristled brush. The size and shape of your brush should fit your mouth allowing you to reach all areas easily.
#2 Floss your teeth at least once a day.
Flossing gets food particles that your toothbrush can't reach. It is especially important to remove these food particles before you go to bed. Otherwise, the food particles sit between your teeth and can cause plaque to form leading to tooth decay.
#3 Cut back on sugar.
Your mouth is full of bacteria. Some bacteria are good bacteria and others are harmful. Harmful bacteria feed on the sugar and carbohydrates that you eat. This process creates acids that can turn into bacterial infections. Bacterial infections can do two things. First, they can destroy the enamel of your tooth. Next, if left untreated, bacterial infections will turn into cavities. They go into the deeper layers of your tooth, creating a hole, causing pain and possible tooth loss. So, the less sugar you eat, the better.
#4 Eat more healthy foods that help your teeth.
Some foods that help promote healthy teeth. Here are some examples:
Fruits and vegetables. Fruits and vegetables that are high in fiber are particularly good for your teeth and gums. The fiber in them helps keep your teeth and gums clean. They also get saliva flowing. Saliva helps to reduce the effects of the acids and enzymes attacking your teeth. Also, the saliva contains traces of calcium and phosphate. So it also restores minerals to areas of teeth that have lost them from the bacterial acids.
Cheese, milk, plain yogurt, and other dairy products. Cheese is another saliva maker. The calcium in cheese, and the calcium and phosphates in milk and other dairy products, help put back minerals your teeth might have lost due to other foods. They also help rebuild tooth enamel.
Green and black teas. Both teas contain substances that either kill or hold back bacteria. This prevents bacteria from growing or making acid that attacks teeth.
#5. Drink more water and less acidic drinks.
Not only is water important to keep you hydrated, it is also important for your dental health. Water helps wash away food particles and keeps your saliva levels high. Whereas, drinks high in acid such as coke, fruit juices (particularly, apple, lemon, and pineapple, grape, and tomato juice) break down the enamel of your teeth.
#6 Schedule a visit to your dentist.
This is one of the most important resolutions a person can make. Regular dental examinations and good oral hygiene can prevent most dental diseases. When we procrastinate, a small cavity can turn into the need for major dental work such as a root canal or gum disease! But this is one you don't want to procrastinate on. You can make it easy to get this one done by just picking up your phone now and calling our office to make your appointment now.
SUMMARY
The New Year is a great time to make resolutions. But as the year moves forward, we may not always follow through on these resolutions. But with modern technology, we have it easier than times of the past. We can put reminders in our electronic calendars, there are reminder apps, and there are health apps. Our team here at Fair Oaks Quality Dental wants this to be your best year ever on your dental health. We look forward to servicing you for your dental needs in 2021.
Happy New Year
Dr. Nahid Afshari
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