Happy New Year! We love the new year because it’s like you get to wipe your slate clean and get a fresh start. One of the top 10 resolutions for 2022 is “Eating healthier”. This not only improves your overall health but your dental and oral health as well. So, if you haven’t added that one to your list, we hope you do. And we would like to give you some tips and straightforward steps you can do to help you improve your teeth this year and make that New Year’s resolution come true.
Flossing
Flossing is so essential because brushing alone is not enough to remove the plaque from your teeth. Not taking care of plaque can lead to problems, such as cavities and gingivitis.
Flossing is even more important when you wear braces. Braces trap more food, and it’s harder to get everything out of them with just brushing. See your orthodontist if you have questions or are unsure how to floss with braces.
Eat and Drink Healthier
Many people resolve to eat and drink healthier. While this will improve your overall health, let’s look at this from an oral health viewpoint, but you should also evaluate this for your general health.
Cutting back on sugary snacks can improve your oral health. Tooth decay strikes more rapidly when you’re eating a lot of sugar. Choose sugar-free snacks, drinks, and chew sugar-free gum to produce saliva and strengthen your enamel.
Also, take care to avoid overly acidic foods. Too much acid contributes to tooth decay, so make sure you give your teeth a good brushing after an acidic snack. Sugar-free gum can also help neutralize acids.
You can also eat foods that will help strengthen your teeth. For example, leafy greens are high in calcium. Calcium strengthens the hard outer shell of your tooth called enamel. Also, fibrous foods are good for your body and help your mouth create more saliva to scrub away plaque and strengthen your teeth.
Stop Using Tobacco Products
Tobacco is responsible for a wide variety of health issues. Smoking doubles your risk for gum disease, and tobacco will stain and damage your teeth. There are many tools in the world to help you kick your tobacco habit. Reach out to friends and loved ones who can help you make the change.
Get Braces if You Need Them
If you need braces but have not gotten them yet, this year is the year! Braces correct bite problems and spacing issues that can affect your jaw. Fixing these problems helps prevent oral health issues such as tooth decay, gum disease, jaw problems, and even tooth loss. Proper orthodontic care goes beyond simply improving your oral health; it affects your entire life.
It’s never too late to have the beautiful smile you deserve! Over the years, our practice has treated many adults. In fact, one in five orthodontic patients is twenty-one or older! Because adults may have experienced tooth and bone breakdown and loss, periodontal treatment may be necessary before, during, or after orthodontic treatment. Additionally, bone loss can limit the advisability of tooth movement in certain amounts and directions. But we have solutions to such situations and will develop a treatment plan that’s right for your situation. We offer many types of braces, including traditional braces and clear aligners, Many advanced treatment options are available, from traditional braces to Invisalign® and In-Ovation® braces.
Visit Your Dentist
Your dentist focuses on the overall health of your teeth – and they perform teeth cleanings and checkups. Get your teeth professionally cleaned by your dentist every six months during your orthodontic treatment. Ensure that there isn’t anything lurking within your mouth that needs attention.
Final Words
At McDonough Orthodontics, we encourage you to keep your New Year’s resolutions and will help you along the way. We are in the business of helping you have a confident smile. Contact us to schedule an appointment and get any questions answered. We hope you accomplish everything you want to in 2022.
Happy New Year!
Dr. David McDonough