It’s impossible to not feel a sense of hope for the new year as the clock ticks down on the previous 12 months. You begin to think about all the changes and improvements you want to make to your life. If not careful, you can set a series of lofty goals that may be not reasonable, but what if you changed things up this year? What if the focus for the upcoming cycle stayed on making improvements in certain behaviors, allowing them to fuel all of your goals? A prime example is with your oral health. A simple resolution that your dentist in Newark suggests is that you place it at the top of your list of priorities. Read on to learn why this is some sound advice to follow and how preventive dentistry will help you accomplish it.
What is Preventive Dentistry?
This is the aspect of oral care that helps you prevent minor issues from becoming major problems and, along with oral hygiene, serves as one of the two pillars of optimal dental health. You participate by visiting your dentist semi-annually for thorough cleanings and examinations, and these two simple processes are major determinates of how well you’ll remain.
A thorough cleaning dispels the excess bacteria, plaque and built-up tartar that you can’t remove at home, so that you are able to have a fresh, clean start. An examination is done by both the hygienist and your dentist to check the condition of your mouth, teeth, gums, face, jaw and neck. Therefore, if there are any signs of impending danger, your dentist can bring it to your attention and develop a treatment protocol.
Along with making sure to schedule and keep these vital appointments, it’s also important to fulfill your other obligation to yourself: to practice excellent oral hygiene.
What to Do for Oral Hygiene
Your oral hygiene is equally as important as your visits to your cosmetic dentist in Newark because it involves your daily activities. Furthermore, it offers you the ability to remove harmful bacteria that seek to attack your enamel and bore deep into your teeth, and under the gum line. Here are some best practices to maintain:
- Brushing – Properly brushing your teeth removes leftover food debris and bacteria, protecting you from gingivitis and gum disease. Along with flossing, you should be brushing at least two times a day.
- Flossing – The super thin floss allows you to get into places that you can’t with your toothbrush, removing the bacteria that hide between your teeth.
- Mouthwash – An excellent supplement to brushing and flossing is to use mouthwash to keep your mouth wet and remove any excess bacteria that may be trying to hide out.
- Eat Healthier – Instead of just thinking of eating healthier to lose weight, view it as a way to protect your mouth, teeth and gums. Snack foods attract bacteria, while healthier foods create a pH balance that turns your saliva into a protector of your teeth’s enamel.
You now have some practical ways to do amazingly big things in the new year. When you commit to your oral health, you are actually sending the subconscious message to yourself that you stand for excellence in every aspect of your life.
Grab this opportunity by the horns and make this your best year ever!
About the Author
Dr. Donald Bond graduated from the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry. He then completed his General Practice Residency at Christina Care Hospital. A member of the American Dental Association, Dr. Bond practices at White Clay Dental Associates and can be reached for more information through his website.