Dental Health Resolutions in 2017
Your oral health is an important part of your overall health and wellness. The New Year is a great time to create resolutions for improving your health. Many people have dental health resolutions. They range from improving their toothbrush habits, flossing regularly, to completing delayed dental treatments. Understanding the benefits of your particular resolutions can be motivating and rewarding. Whatever your goals may be, it is important to take small steps to achieve them. Consistency is key with any resolutions that you make.
Improving brushing and flossing habits
Daily brushing and flossing habits is a great way to improve your oral health. It is very important to brush at least twice a day. Use an appropriately sized, soft bristle, toothbrush for successful plaque removal. When you brush your teeth, gently position your toothbrush at a 45 degree angle towards the gum line. You then move the toothbrush across the teeth to effectively remove bacterial plaque. It is also important to floss at least once per day to remove bacterial plaque and food that has accumulated throughout the day. Your toothbrush should be replaced every 3-4 months, as well as after you have a cold or flu or if the bristles are frayed. Daily brushing and flossing helps to prevent gingivitis (gum disease), tooth decay, and bad breath.
Make healthier food and beverage choices
An important part of achieving your dental health resolution is making healthier food and beverage choices, especially for snacks. Frequent consumption of food and beverages containing carbohydrates and acids contributes to tooth decay, so it is important to brush after snacking.
Improving your smile
- Teeth whitening: is used to lighten teeth and helps to remove stains and discolouration. Whitening is among the most popular cosmetic dental procedures because it can greatly improve how your teeth look.
- Crowns: Besides strengthening a damaged tooth, a crown can be used to improve its appearance, shape or alignment. A crown can also be placed on top of an implant to provide a tooth-like shape and structure for function. Porcelain or ceramic crowns can be matched to the colour of your natural teeth.
- Veneers: are thin shells crafted of tooth-coloured materials designed to cover the front side of teeth. Unlike bonding, it is necessary to remove a small amount of enamel from your tooth to accommodate the shell. Based on a model of your mouth, they are meant to look like your natural teeth.
- Bonding: Not happy with the way your teeth look? Bonding may be the answer. For some, it can help restore the natural look of your teeth. Bonding is a process where the dentist attaches or “bonds” materials directly to your tooth. Your natural tooth enamel and dentin are fused together with bonding materials such as porcelain and resins to create a strong structure that looks great.
- Dental Implants: Is used as a popular and effective way to replace missing teeth. Surgically placed in the upper or lower jaw, they function as a sturdy anchor for replacement teeth. Made of titanium and other materials, implants are designed to hold restorations like crowns or bridges blend in with your other teeth, and are a long-term option for restoring your smile.
Braces
Your dental health resolutions may be to finally correct an abnormal bite. This may have been caused by injury, thumb sucking, tooth crowding or crooked teeth. Correcting any of these issues with braces not only enhances the look of your smile but also, and most importantly, improves your health. There are several options for straightening your teeth. Please ask your dentist about orthodontic options at your next appointment.
Quit using tobacco products
It is in your best interest to quit cigarettes smoking and smokeless tobacco use to improve your oral and overall health. There is no better time than the present to make a resolution to stop tobacco use.
Routine dental visits
For this New Year, resolve to treat your mouth right: Improve your diet, quit smoking and improve you oral hygiene habits. Your teeth and body will thank you for it! Schedule your next check-up TODAY at Crystal Smiles and get a head start on 2017!
