A famous national study confirmed that one-third of American adults are unhappy with their smile. But the truth is, the real current number is likely highly inflated, especially around the holidays. The holiday season is full of social and festive options but also wrought with photo opportunities that can cause even the youngest kids at heart to hide from the flash. While not unexpected in this day and age, the experience can lead to several dental-related goals and resolutions for the new year such as scheduling regular dental appointments. But what are some new dental habits that can actually stick and improve your life during the new year?
Improve Your Diet
The wrong types of food and beverages can seriously affect your teeth any time of year. But the chances for over-indulging in the wrong types of goodies increases significantly for many during the holiday season. Suddenly, every home or holiday table is full of candy, cookies, pies, fudge, cranberry sauce, and compotes. Even refrigerators and coolers are stocked with soda, eggnog, beer, wine, and spirits. All of those items produce or contain mind-numbing amounts of acidic-forming sugar that encourage bacteria and decay production. Improve the diet with hard veggies, juicy fruits, meats, whole grains, water, and tea to help produce the saliva and enzymes needed for a healthy mouth.
Cut the Vices
It’s proven that alcohol and sugar indulgence lead to enamel damage and extra decay among a variety of other health issues when not monitored and controlled. However, smoking is still a major issue as well. While smoking has declined 21% over the past decade, almost 38 million Americans currently smoke cigarettes. Over 16 million Americans live with some type of smoking-related illness, and approximately one in five deaths are due to smoking complications. Smoking can also lead to dental issues such as stained teeth, increased decay, gum disease, and edentulism.
Develop Better Oral Health Habits
Brushing twice a day and flossing once daily are key habits for reducing decay and simple avoidable dental problems. And yet, when proper floss isn’t around or instantly available, many Americans will resort to drastic measures that often cause far more harm than good. Almost 65% of Americans know not to use fingernails, cards, knives, pins, and even human hair yet do so anyway in a pinch. Keep your toothbrush and dental floss nearby.
Keep Your Regular Dental Appointments
Eighty percent of Americans have some type of gum disease, and most cases can be caught and reversed quickly and easily. Gingivitis is the beginning stage of the potentially life-threatening disease, and many people don’t even notice symptoms. But your dentist will. Brushing and flossing may not be enough to control it once it begins. But seeing your dentist every six months can ensure simple to serious dental issues are caught and reversed without costing you unnecessary time, discomfort and expense.
Invest in Your Smile When Necessary
Simple to serious dental issues can play a huge part in a person’s life. But your dentist can correct practically any issue, regardless of how big or small it is. From teeth whitening to dental implants, the right treatment can improve your confidence, give you a reason to smile again, improve your ability to eat and breathe, and even increase your chances or professional or romantic success. Contact your Fort Lauderdale holistic dentist to discuss the best options to reach your personal new year goals.
