Healthy New Year’s Resolutions

By Bahar Rowhani, DDS

Healthy New Year’sResolutions

It happens every January; we enter into the New Year with lofty goals and expectations for ourselves, only to break these resolutions weeks, or even days later. Expecting too much is a good way to set oneself up for failure. The best New Year’s resolutions are specific, achievable, and well-planned. Taken seriously, these resolutions improve our lives and the lives of those around us.

This year, why not resolve to make dental hygiene a priority? Improving or maintaining your dental health is easy, and it can pay dividends for your overall health, too. It’s one of the better habits you can develop.

Start by brushing your teeth at least twice a day. Proper brushing removes plaque from tooth surfaces before it can harden and become tartar. Brush using fluoride toothpaste that combats the formation of tooth decay. Fluoride promotes the remineralization of teeth, makes teeth harder and more resistant to new decay, and can inhibit the ability of oral bacteria to create harmful acids. Change your brush every three to six months. Patients with gum disease should change toothbrushes every four to six weeks, as the bristles can harbor harmful bacteria.

Floss daily. Flossing really is the only way to remove plaque from between your teeth that a toothbrush can’t reach. In patients who do not floss, tartar accumulates between the teeth, breeding bacteria whose toxins irritate and inflame the gums. This condition, known as gingivitis, can lead to periodontal disease and eventually tooth loss.

Many people do not like to floss, because it makes their gums bleed or swell this is just a sign that you haven’t been flossing enough. Others dislike putting their fingers in their mouths. For these individuals, devices like the Reach floss handle provide an alternative that is easier and quicker. With a regular regimen, bleeding and swelling will go away, leaving you with pink, healthy gums.

Some people, however, will simply never floss. If you are one of these people, consider using a product like Stim-U-Dent, which is a sort of specialized toothpick, or a Water Pik, which cleans using a very narrow stream of water.

And of course, visit your dentist for regular check-ups. Routine cleanings and examinations ensure that your teeth and gums stay healthy. A dental check-up is an excellent time to get screened for oral cancer, and your dentist can deal with potential issues before they become real problems.

These measures add up to just a few minutes each day, yet they can protect your oral health for years to come. If you take it seriously, dental hygiene will be one New Year’s resolution you can definitely smile about.