Kick Off the New Year With Good Dental Habits and Good Health!
Happy new year to all of our patients, friends and Ahwatukee neighbors! Do you start off each new year with healthy resolutions, goals and intentions— only to find that they are difficult to maintain?
As the calendar year gets underway, the Dr. E Cosmetic and Family Dentistry team has compiled the following info and tips to help you keep your oral hygiene on track and top-of-mind all year long. Remember, study upon study shows that maintaining good dental habits contributes to better overall health!
How does dental hygiene impact overall health?
The mouth is the gateway to the entire body. Meaning, when bacteria enters or is present in the mouth, it can travel throughout the bloodstream to other parts of the body. This puts one at greater risk for serious health conditions such as heart attack and stroke. Remember that oral health and therefore good dental habits is linked to whole-body health!
Smile your way to a better first impression
We are certain that flashes of yellow teeth and bad breath are NOT the first impression you want to make on others in 2023! When you flash a big, confident smile, you convey positivity. In fact, studies show that 68% of Americans find people who smile more trustworthy, confident and approachable, while 76% admit a smile is the number one physical trait they use to make a first impression of others. Most importantly, there is science behind the theory that smiling reduces stress and improves mental wellness thanks to the endorphins that are released each time you smile.
Watch out for these poor oral health symptoms
The start of a new year is a good time to take inventory of your dental health and polish up those good dental habits. Are you experiencing any of the following symptoms? If so, be sure to see your dentist immediately for treatment and/or to prevent these symptoms from worsening — it’s never too early or late to seek treatment or ask your dentist for help!
- Excessive plaque
- Toothache
- Bleeding gums
- Gum recession
- Bad breath that doesn’t go away
- Loosening of adult teeth
- Swelling in the mouth area
Tips to Improve and Maintain Oral Hygiene
It’s important to think of oral hygiene as preventative care. That means that if you take a proactive approach to oral health, you can prevent common dental issues, such as cavities, gum disease and halitosis, from happening in the first place. Follow these tips to keep you and your dentist smiling:
- Brush at least twice daily
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush
- Floss daily and consider using a Waterpik to remove debris
- Brush your tongue to rid the mouth of bacteria
- Use antibacterial mouthwash daily for a fresh, healthy smile
- Eat a balanced diet and avoid sugary food/drinks
- Avoid smoking/tobacco
- Visit your dentist every six months (or more frequently if you have existing dental issues)
Long-term Benefits of Good Oral Hygiene
Maintaining good oral hygiene should be a lifelong routine. Parents should model good dental habits for young children and continue to keep oral health a priority by visiting the dentist regularly. Here are the other long-lasting benefits of a good oral hygiene routine:
- A sparkling smile
- Fresh breath
- Healthier gums
- Less time and money spent on dental procedures such as fillings, crowns, root canal, etc.
- Better overall health and reduced risk for conditions such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes and oral cancers
We hope you use the above information and tips to prioritize good dental habits and good health in the new year. Our resolution is to continue to provide you with the resources, skill and compassion that have earned Dr. E the distinction of being Ahwatukee’s Best Dentist for six consecutive years!
Have you scheduled your dental appointments for 2023? Contact the Dr. E Cosmetic and Family Dentistry team today! 480-494-2435