New Year, New Smile? Your Dentist Can Help!

With so much information on the links between oral health and overall health, there has never been a better time to take charge of your health care. There are some steps you can take to achieve optimum oral health, and your dentist has some helpful tips and ideas. Ready to make your oral health a top priority in 2019? Read on to learn how.

Up Your Home Care Routine

How are you doing with your brushing and flossing at home? Maybe you’re great about brushing twice a day, but not so much on the flossing? This simple routine can help remove excess plaque buildup between teeth, which strengthens your gums and protects against gum disease.

Commit to floss more consistently in 2019. Start by upping your game. Floss one extra day a week for a month, and then add another day until you are flossing every day. Or commit to flossing at least one day each week if you are not currently flossing at all.

Commit to Your Routine Dental Visits

Be consistent about visiting your dentist every six months in 2019. Your routine cleaning and checkup appointments allow your dentist to diagnose any concerns like tooth decay, cavities, periodontal (gum) disease, and oral cancer in their early stages. Early detection of all of these issues allows you to treat them more effectively with less invasive procedures. Your six-month cleanings also help to remove the excess plaque that causes problems such as gum disease and tooth decay.

Reevaluate Your Eating Habits

One of the best things you can do for your oral health is to eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables. Fruits and veggies help to neutralize the acids in your mouth that cause tooth decay. They also increase saliva flow, which helps protect against cavities.

Take some time to reevaluate your eating habits for 2019. Maybe you’re eating healthy for dinner, but reaching for unhealthy snacks in the afternoon? See where you can make changes and add healthier food choices into your daily routine.

How about the beverages you drink throughout the day? Is your morning coffee loaded with sugar? Think about drinking water as much as you can throughout the day since it not only keeps you hydrated but also protects your oral health.

Do you have more questions for your dentist? Start the conversation about changes for your oral health today and give them a call.

About the Author

Dr. Gregory A. Craybas and Dr. Donald A. Crumb lead the team at Creative Dental Concepts. Our focus is on providing a concierge-style dental experience that caters to your unique needs. Patients enjoy personalized treatment plans and one-on-one attention from their dentist when they visit  Creative Dental Concepts.

If you would like to contact our team, we can be reached by calling 315-475-6641 or through our website.