Happy New Year! It’s that time again—time to make resolutions to do better. Have you thought about improving your oral health as a goal this year? Maybe you should. Your oral health is connected to your overall wellbeing, so by addressing one, you can influence the other. Here are some ways you can improve your oral health this year from your dentist in Medford.
Choose to Floss
If you don’t already do it, you need to add flossing to your daily routine. Although brushing does remove much of the plaque and bacteria from your teeth, the bristles can’t reach the spaces in between teeth. If allowed to remain there, plaque can build up and allow the bacteria to produce acids that attack your teeth and irritate gums. As small and insignificant as flossing may seem, it reduces your chances of getting tooth decay or gum disease significantly. Flossing at least once daily does make a difference in your oral health.
Visit the Dentist
Even if you brush and floss faithfully every day, you still need to see a dentist in Medford twice a year for your dental checkups and cleanings. Over time, tiny bits of plaque can build up and harden into tartar. When this happens, it is much harder to remove and can cause tooth decay. Using professional tools, the dentist or hygienist is able to wipe the slate clean and prevent cavities from forming or getting worse.
Your appointment with the dentist is about more than just a cleaning. Your dentist also takes the opportunity to visually check your teeth, gums, tongue, mouth, and throat for any abnormalities that could indicate a more serious condition like oral cancer or gum disease. By performing this checkup every six months, they are more likely to catch these conditions in early stages, when it is much easier to treat. If you visit the dentist only when there’s a problem, you’re more likely to face more extensive damage and intensive treatment.
Consume Less Sugar
What you eat feeds not only you but also the bacteria in your mouth. These harmful, cavity-causing bacteria particularly thrive on sugar. The more sugary food and drinks you consume, the more your mouth is under attack. By cutting back on sugar, you not only help your waistline but your mouth as well.
Eat Mouth-Friendly Foods
To replace all that sugar that you won’t be eating this year, try foods that actually help your mouth. Dairy products, such as milk, cheese, and yogurt, are great sources of calcium and phosphorus, which strengthen teeth. Also, consider eating more fibrous foods, such as the following:
- Broccoli.
- Leafy greens like spinach.
- Apples.
- Carrots.
These foods can scrub your teeth clean and help you produce more saliva to rinse the plaque away.
If you implement these actions into your life, you will be able to improve your oral health and accomplish your goal. Make 2019 the year you stick to your resolutions and succeed in making your life better. For more information about preventive dental care, contact your dentist in Medford to schedule an appointment.
About the Author
Since 1993, Dr. Giamberardino has been serving the Medford, MA area with comprehensive dental care. A graduate of Harvard, he offers excellent care in restorative, preventive, and cosmetic dentistry and works with patients to form personalized treatment plans that meet their unique needs. To contact Giamberardino Dental Care, you can call (781) 396-3800 or click here.