New Year’s Resolutions For A Healthier Smile!

A New Year’s resolution often involves some sort of short-term or long-term goal.  Ask yourself, what are your “goals” for oral health in 2016?  We at Beachside Dental want to help you achieve those goals!  Before you ever step foot into our office, here are some resolutions that will help you achieve the smile you desire.

1) Schedule a Dental Appointment
Nearly one third of people in the United States do not visit the dentist annually, according to the American Dental Association. Making a dental appointment is actually the first and most important step towards oral health. To make the process of scheduling your appointment easier, you can make an appointment at Beachside Dental on our website (www.beachsidedds.com) or even on our Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/beachindentist).

2) Daily Flossing
Brushing your teeth twice a day isn't enough.  Flossing will help to keep plaque from building up between your teeth or to remove particles of food from your mouth. If your gums bleed when you floss, this is a sign that your gums are inflamed and that you actually need to floss more often.  If you stick with this healthy habit, you’ll be on your way to a healthier smile.

3) Cut Back On Sugar
Cutting back or eliminating sugar can drastically reduce your risk for tooth decay. Here are some suggestions; Drink sugar-free sparkling water (flavored is OK) instead of soda, or chew a piece of sugar-free gum when you have a craving for something sweet.

4) Stop Smoking
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), smoking nearly doubles your risk of having gum disease, and is linked to a host of other health issues. Prepare for the cravings you will have when you quit and find healthy activities to engage in to keep you from giving in to any temptations. General medical practitioners can help in conjunction with dentists, to help you address any nicotine addictions.

5) Eat Healthy
In addition to cutting back on sugary foods/drinks, consider eating as healthy as possible. Dairy products high in calcium are great for your teeth, as well as foods high in fiber which increase the amount of saliva in your mouth