Submitted by Houska Dental Center
It’s no surprise that the most common New Year’s Resolution people make is to improve their health. That may mean losing weight, increasing exercise, quitting smoking, eating healthier, or perhaps reducing stress. As you consider ways to live a healthier lifestyle, don’t forget to include your teeth! After all, a bright, healthy smile is one of the first things people notice, and dental health is also an important part of overall wellness. Following are five dental health resolutions for 2016:
- I will make flossing a habit.
Most people brush their teeth twice a day, but many simply don’t like to floss. Unfortunately, by skipping this important step, you risk serious dental issues, such as bad breath, gingivitis, and even tooth loss. Flossing gets in between teeth and below the gum line to remove plaque, which is where decay and gum disease often begins. Regular tooth brushing only reaches the front and back of the teeth. There are many different types of floss on the market, so try several until you find a brand that you like. It may help to keep a container of floss right next to your toothpaste, as well as a container in your purse or desk at work, in case you forget to do it at home. Some people may prefer to use a tool like the Waterpik Water Flosser, which eliminates the need to use string floss at all.
- I will pay attention to my toothbrush.
Replace your toothbrush at least every three months, or when the bristles look frayed. In between uses, be sure to store your toothbrush where it can dry out. Do not use a toothbrush cover, as that can promote the growth of bacteria. Avoid overly aggressive brushing, and don’t use a toothbrush with hard bristles. - I will control my sweet tooth.
Making healthier food choices will improve every aspect of your health — including your dental health. Sugary snacks are much more detrimental to your teeth than having sugar with a meal. This is especially true if you are consuming beverages throughout the day that contain sugar. If you must drink something with sugar — and don’t forget, this includes sugar in coffee and tea — use a straw so the sugar doesn’t come in contact with your teeth. - I will improve my smile.
Everyone should feel good about their smile. There are numerous options available to whiten teeth that range from do-it-yourself at-home products to professionally diagnosed and applied solutions. With so many new products available, and ever-changing technology, it can be difficult to know what product or service is the best. Every search for a brighter, whiter smile should begin in the dentist’s chair. While there are many over-the-counter whitening solutions, they may not be appropriate for everyone. In addition, the results are limited, and can take weeks — and even months. Professional in-office whitening solutions cost a bit more, but they offer almost immediate results. If you’ve always wanted to correct crooked teeth, there are many options for straightening teeth that don’t involve the appearance-related concerns of traditional metal braces. - I will see my dentist for regular checkups.
It’s important to see your dentist on a regular basis to detect and treat any problems in the early stages, before they become serious conditions requiring expensive, comprehensive procedures. Many people do not realize that by the time you feel pain, the problem is already in the advanced stages. Wouldn’t you rather have a cavity filled than a root canal? What are you waiting for? This is one resolution that is easy to keep!
For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call Houska Dental Center at 309-662-9042 or visit them online at www.houskadentalcenter.com. They are located at 2433 Maloney Drive in Bloomington, and offer exceptional dental care to the Bloomington-Normal area, with expertise in general and cosmetic dentistry.