7 Tips to Improve Oral Health in the New Year
2018 has flown by and the new year is just around the corner. With the new beginning in sight, many of us have started to look at what we need to do to achieve our goals and improve our lives. Sometimes these resolutions are difficult to achieve but that does not always have to be the case. A great resolution to make is to improve your life by actively working towards better oral health.
Here are 7 resolutions to consider:
1. Ditch the sugar (and acidic drinks)
Sugar and acid are your teeth’s number one enemy and when consumed in high amounts – it eventually eats away at your teeth’s enamel exposing you to a higher risk of developing cavities, teeth sensitivity, gum disease and teeth loss. A good way to start the new year is by giving up sodas and fruit juices which are usually packed with sugar. If drinking plain water sounds boring to you, try infusing it with fruit like strawberries and blueberries, or add some flavour by adding a few stems of mint to your water bottle.
2. Visit the dentist
The best athletes have fitness trainers and coaches to help them avoid injury, stay healthy and remain on top of their game. Your dentist and oral health team are the best people to help you enjoy good mouth health and avoid dental complications. Six monthly check-ups, help to promote healthy teeth and gums and to identify problems before they escalate into something more serious. Most of our patients schedule their check-up appointment in advance so that they do not forget. Contact us today.
3. Bring out the floss
Many people skip this integral part of the dental care routine and this is sometimes the root cause of oral problems such as gum disease. Toothbrushes can only reach parts of your mouth and clean about 60 per cent of bacteria in your mouth. In the new year, make it a habit to floss at least once a day.
4. Get a new toothbrush
We recommend that you replace your toothbrush every three months or sooner if you notice that the bristles are beginning to wear out making your brush less effective in cleaning your teeth. It is also important to keep in mind that bacteria collect in toothbrushes so it is better not to share it.
5. Quit Smoking
Giving up smoking will not only benefit your oral hygiene but your overall health too. Smoking contributes to teeth discolouration, gum disease, loss of bone density, bad breath and has been linked to oral cancer.
6. Correct your teeth
More adults are opting for oral and cosmetic treatments that help in fixing problems that have been the cause of insecurities for years. Misaligned teeth, gaps, discolouration, missing teeth and problems with your bite, are not only aesthetically unpleasing but also increase your risk of bad oral health. In this day and age, there are many restorative and cosmetic options available to correct such problems. These include:
- Orthodontic treatment including Invisalign
- Veneers
- Dental implants
- Crowns
- Bridges
- Teeth Whitening
7. Get a cancer screening
Cancer screening is a fast and generally effective way of identifying warning signs of oral cancer. At Crookes and Jenkins dental we screen every patient on their check-up appointment. Identifying risk factors and warning signs help us provide advice to help you avoid deadly disease. Early identification and treatment of oral cancer improve patient outcomes.
Contact us today to book a consultation.