New Year Resolution: Better Oral Health this 2020

The New Year is an excellent time to reexamine our lives and resolve to make positive changes in the coming year.

While most people focus on fitness and finances, resolutions regarding oral health will benefit you for years to come. There are many outstanding benefits that can come from a few simple changes.

Usually, when we start the New Year, most people make general resolutions. Things like not spending too much, eating healthier, not going out too much, working out more, or even spending more time with loved ones. But did you know that there are dental New Year resolutions that you can make? 

Visit Warner Lakes Dental Regularly

At Warner Lakes Dental we support the 2-2-2 Rule. This rule recommends that you should visit us twice a year, and at home you should brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes or more.

Unfortunately, some people don’t regularly visit the dentist for bi-annual checkups and cleans. This allows cavities and other oral issues to develop and mature, completely under the radar. By the time these issues make themselves known, they have become threats to your dental and overall health, as well as drains on your pocketbook.

If you do notice a problem with your teeth in 2020, don’t ignore it and risk larger dental issues. Contact us here at Warner Lakes Dental and we’ll be more than happy to see you for routine checkups or dental emergencies.

Improve Your Daily Dental Hygiene Habits

Since we were children we’ve been told about how important it is to take daily care of our teeth. These lessons from childhood are true during adulthood as well.

To keep your teeth as healthy as possible, we recommend you brush twice a day for at least two minutes each time.  You also need to change your toothbrush every 3-4 months, when bristles look old, or after colds and flus.

You’ve heard this one before, but you should be flossing once a day. Brushing reaches about ⅔ of your tooth surface. Flossing can reach the rest of the tooth, even at the gumline.

Clean Your Tongue

Simply cleaning your tongue with a tongue scraper every morning can significantly reduce the amount of bacteria in your mouth. This habit can also improve your breath and further protect you from gum disease and tooth decay.

Quit Smoking

It may finally be time to kick the smoking habit. Smoking is bad for your overall health and also your dental health. Smokers double their risk for gum disease and increase their chances of tooth discolouration, decay, receding gums, and multiple cancers of the mouth, throat, lung, and esophagus. Tobacco products of all sorts can also lead to tooth loss.

If you do want quit this year, choose a date, get rid of all tobacco products so you won’t be tempted and ask your family and friends to help you stop. You’ll want their support. And make sure to quite ALL tobacco products, which contain a variety of toxins associated with cancer. Smokeless tobacco is known to cause cancers of the mouth, lip, and tongue.

There are several tools you can use to help you stop smoking—progress-tracking apps, the patch, smoking cessation groups, etc. At Warner Lakes Dental we’ll be happy to sit down with you and talk about it.

Quit Drinking Sodas, Juices, & Energy Drinks

Substituting soda and juice for water will pay off for your teeth and overall health. The excessive amounts of sugar and the acidic nature of the soda and juice are destructive to your teeth. Instead of sugary drinks, try fizzy drinks with no sugar or water. Water is good for your mouth, teeth, and health.

Don’t Abuse Your Teeth

You only have one set of (adult) teeth, so you should not misuse them! Don’t use teeth to open containers of any kind, bite your nails, cut tape, or chew on anything but food. Teeth should only be used to chew, bite food, speak, smile, and nothing else.

Get That Nightguard

If you clench or grind your teeth, then you should wear a nightguard. Clenching and grinding damage your teeth by wearing away the enamel and causing loose fillings and broken teeth. It can also cause damage to your TMJ and facial muscles, as well as tooth sensitivity and headaches. The answer to many of these problems is a custom-designed mouthguard.

The Warner Lakes Dental Care Experience

Warner Lakes Dental wants your visit to be the quickest and most convenient dental experience possible! From parking to treatment, we try to make the entire process as simple and painless as possible! During the holidays, and throughout the year, we are your partners in dental health.

Your Warner dentist want you to enjoy the holiday season, and beyond, with a stunning smile and healthy mouth, teeth, and gums!

Call us on (07) 3477 9925 or request your appointment online!