Make a New Year’s Resolution — For Your Smile

Prevent Cavities Before They Start

Cavities are much easier to prevent than they are to treat. Healthy habits such as brushing twice daily with fluoridated toothpaste, flossing and limiting sugary snacks and drinks can prevent tooth decay. Adults should serve as role models while encouraging children to establish these healthy habits early in their lives.

Consume Sugar in One-Go Rather Than Intervals

Every sip of a sugary drink restarts the acid attack on your teeth. If you choose to have a soda, drink it all in one sitting rather than sipping all day. Your enamel will thank you.

Make Oral Cancer Screenings a Priority

Regular oral cancer screenings can be lifesaving. During your dentist’s visits, make sure you ask for an oral cancer screening at least once a year. If you use tobacco products, drink alcohol excessively, or have a condition that weakens your immune system, you should have your oral cancer screenings more often.

Wear Elastic Bands with Braces

Commit to consistent elastic wear for your braces because small bands make big results.

Before a Tooth Extraction, See an Endodontist

Save your natural teeth whenever you can. An implant can be an excellent replacement for a missing tooth, but it is no substitute for a maintainable natural tooth, so find out if your tooth can be saved with root canal treatment before you take it out by visiting an endodontist. Find a specialist at www.findmyendodontist.com.

Keep an Eye on Gum Health

Gum disease may be linked to other diseases such as heart disease and diabetes, and researchers suspect that inflammation may be the basis behind this relationship. Brush, floss and get an annual comprehensive periodontal evaluation.

Have a Personalized Oral Health Plan

Protect your investments in oral health by scheduling regular visits and consulting with your dentist to create a personalized oral health plan, which may include nutritional counseling, oral hygiene instruction and fluoride treatment. A personalized fluoride regimen is essential at all stages of life to fight cavities.

Remember: Oral Health Equals Overall Health

Researchers have made a number of links with microbiome dysfunction, poor oral health and effects in other conditions ranging from inflammatory diseases, effects on pregnancy, gut health and nutrition, brain health and cardiovascular health, to name a few. Taking care of your teeth starting in childhood will help maintain good overall health well into adulthood. The mouth is literally and figuratively the entry point to the body. Good oral health is indicative of good overall health.