The new year is here and that means it’s time to make New Year’s Resolutions. Take stock of what you’ve achieved this year in regards to dental care, and what you can work on. We’re here to help you get there, with a list of common do’s and don’ts of dental care.
If you’ve been neglecting your oral health, we know it can be tough to get back into the groove. But we’ve compiled the best tips to get you started down the right path this year.
Do:
The 2 By 2 Rule
Coined by the American Dental Association, the 2 By 2 Rule involves brushing your teeth twice a day for at least 2 minutes at a time. It’s not necessary to brush more frequently or for longer periods than that. Don’t forget to floss too!
Cosmetic Treatments
Are you dissatisfied with your smile due to imperfections like chips and stains in your smile? No matter how minor they seem, these flaws can greatly affect how you feel about your smile. Restore your confidence this year by trying out some beautiful cosmetic treatments and create your dream smile.
Look For Xylitol
You may be following the 2 By 2 Rule, so it wouldn’t make sense to brush your teeth after every meal you have. Instead, reach for a sugar-free gum that contains xylitol. This compound can combat the acidity that is produced by bacteria in your mouth. Typically these acids would form into plaque and tartar, but xylitol will prevent this from happening. Carry a pack of this handy gum with you at all times.
Be More Mindful Of Your Diet
Sugar and spice may taste so nice, but too much can wreck your teeth! If you were afflicted with cavities and gum disease in 2016, one possible cause could be your diet. Bacteria that cause these disease love to consume extra sugars and carbohydrates from your meals, especially when you don’t brush. By adding more fruits and veggies to your diet, you not only can “scrub” away plaque but can also supply essential vitamins to your teeth.
Don’t:
Drink Too Much Alcohol
They say that a glass of red wine each night can be healthy for your heart, but we bet you haven’t thought about what other alcohol could be doing to your enamel! Alcohol naturally dries out your mouth and can slow blood flow to your jaw. There’s less saliva, leaving your teeth exposed to bacterial waste. Enjoy your alcohol, but be mindful of how much you’re drinking. Always have a glass of water on hand to wash away alcohol from your teeth too.
Avoid Dental Emergencies
It happens to the best of us: we go about our normal routines and suddenly take a tumble, get hit in the face with a baseball or bite into a nut the wrong way. No matter what happened, the results tend to be chipped, cracked or broken teeth. These aren’t occurrences to take lightly, and should be brought to your dentist’s attention as soon as possible.
Avoid Dental Visits
The best way to keep track of your dental health is to regularly visit your dentist every six months. During these vital hygiene cleanings, the dentist will look at your teeth and assess for any damage or signs of disease. The team will polish and floss your teeth, and let you know any tips or tricks to keep your smile fresh until your next visit. Make it a good habit to visit your dentist this year, so you can keep your smile clean and fresh.
Leave Tooth Loss Alone
Losing a tooth can feel devastating for your smile, but investing in tooth replacement treatments like dental implants can save your teeth. By leaving your tooth loss untreated, you’re also exposing your mouth to potential infections and your jawbone will start to deteriorate. But dental implants can put a stop to both of these problems, helping the area to heal and allowing the jawbone to regenerate. It’s a one-of-a-kind tooth replacement treatment that can’t be beat.
Make It A Family Affair!
One of the great obstacles to consistent dental care is the travel. It wouldn’t make sense to travel to a bunch of different dental offices to get the care you need for you and your family. Turns out you can have it all right here under one roof at Herman Family Dentistry.
What Is Family Dentistry?
Family dentistry is the combination of services that most, if not all, patients with families will need at some point in their lives. For example preventative treatments are one aspect, which includes:
- Oral cancer screenings
- Fluoride treatments
- Hygiene cleanings
- Sealants
But let’s say your child gets their wisdom teeth in: Dr. Herman can extract these wisdom teeth to prevent further harm to their smile.
Seniors in the family? We can create sturdy denture prosthetics and implant-supported dentures to give them a full smile. While we take strides to prevent tooth decay and periodontal disease from taking root, it can occur to even the best of patients. When this happens, we offer thorough periodontal care.
These are just a few examples of the services you can expect at our practice. We want you to and your family to have access to any treatments you need to improve your well-being.
“What If I’m Afraid Of The Dentist?”
Don’t worry! If you answered yes to this question, you’re not alone. But 2017 is the year to overcome those fears, thanks to the help of sedation dentistry. Dr. Eric Herman and our team offer oral conscious sedation, a simple pill that you swallow just before your dental appointment. By the time you reach our office, you’ll feel relaxed and calm for the dental chair.
Contact Us About More New Year’s Dental Tips
We guarantee that you’ll feel prepared to tackle any dental issues that come your way for this new year, thanks to these simple tips. If you have any questions about how to make the right dental care choices or you’re interested in dental care, we’re here to help. Give us a call to speak with one of our team members.