Smile Resolutions…
Let’s talk about resolutions. It’s a New Year and a New Decade! This means a lot of promises were made on January 1st, but if you haven’t made one or want to pick a new one the good thing about setting goals is that you can start at any time. A resolution is defined as a firm decision to do or not do something. So when you’re ready to focus on your oral health, we’ve got a smile resolution(s) that are easy to achieve.
Healthy Habits
It all comes down to forming new habits. Most of us brush our teeth and sometimes we floss and visit the dentist, but to keep your teeth and gums in check, here is what we recommend for everyone:
– Brush twice a day, two minutes each time
– Floss before bed
– Schedule dental check-ups and cleanings every 6 months
This is one resolution you can do, and you can work up to it. If you floss once a week now, set a short-term goal to floss a couple more time a week, then a long-term goal of doing it every day. If you only brush once a day, make sure it’s before bed, and challenge yourself to work up to twice a day. If it’s been a couple of years since you visited the dentist, just pick up the phone and make an appointment. You would be surprised how many people have dental insurance and never use the benefits they’re already paying into. A dental team can help you maximize your plan.
If you don’t have insurance, having a healthy smile is not out of reach. Our office provides CareCredit to help with financing, and there are other options available. Truthfully, taking care of your teeth at home and scheduling regular dental appointments will save you money in the long run by keeping your teeth and gums healthy and avoiding expensive alternatives that can come with neglecting your oral health.
Make a Commitment to Yourself
A 2014 study stated that 31.6% of adults ages 20-44 have undetected cavities. Cavities are the most prevalent chronic disease in both children and adults, even though they can be prevented or controlled with professional care. Another statistic that might surprise you is that 46% of adults aged 30 and older show signs of gum disease.
We have treated and cared for a lot of patients who practice good oral hygiene at home, but they still get cavities and struggle with gum disease. This is because you can’t go it alone. Oral healthcare is a team effort between you, your dentist and trained professionals who have the tools and treatments to care for disease and fight decay.
At Home Care
You and your dentist can talk about what you’re doing at home. A check-up is the best time to ask questions. Should I use an electric toothbrush? Which toothpaste is best for me? For some people who are prone to cavities, the dentist may recommend prescription toothpaste or dietary changes. For people who grind and clench, they might benefit from a mouthguard. So, we recommend you start with the basics: brush, floss and visit the dentist. From there, you and your dental team can work out an individualized, at-home care plan that’s right for you in between checkups. The goal is to keep you smiling!
Want to visit the Dental Studio office before your next teeth cleaning? Dental Studio of Greenville will be hosting a Blood Connection Neighborhood Blood Drive on Saturday, January 25th from 9:30am-12pm. For more info click here.
You can also call (864) 520-2942 or visit greenvilledentalstudio.com to make your appointment. Want more dental tips? Click here.
