It’s that time of year again—time to reflect on the past year and then look ahead. What are your goals for 2019? Do you want to read more books? Go the gym more often? Maybe you could focus on something you use every day—your mouth! Check out these three resolutions that you can do this year with the help of your cosmetic dentist in Metairie.
Floss Daily
Every time you see the dentist, you hear the same thing: you should floss daily. But isn’t brushing twice a day enough? Think about all the crevices between your teeth where your toothbrush can’t reach. The bacteria in plaque can congregate there and cause decay or gingivitis. Flossing at least once a day removes the plaque from between your teeth and prevents gum disease from developing in the first place. If you don’t know the proper way to floss, ask your dentist or hygienist to demonstrate for you.
Go to Your Dental Checkups and Cleanings
If you brush and floss at home, you may be tempted to skip your semi-annual appointments with the dentist. Don’t! Attending your checkup and cleaning is one of the best ways you can promote your oral health.
Even if you brush and floss every day, plaque can build up and accumulate. Over time, plaque hardens or calcifies into tartar, which is much more difficult to remove. Tartar also allows the harmful bacteria in your mouth to have easy, constant access to your teeth and gums, causing tooth decay or gum disease. The professional tools used by dentists and hygienists can remove this buildup for you every six months, preventing those bacteria from having a chance to wreak havoc on your smile.
In addition to getting a cleaning, you also get a complete oral exam from your dentist. They visually check your teeth, gums, tongue, mouth, and neck for any abnormalities that could indicate a serious condition, like gum disease or oral cancer. Early detection and treatment are essential to overcoming these problems. If you simply wait to see the dentist until you have a problem, it could have already caused significant damage. By consistently visiting the dentist, you can stop issues while they are still minor and easy to fix.
Straighten Your Teeth
At first glance, straightening your teeth can seem like a purely cosmetic change. But did you know that straightening your teeth can also promote your oral health? When you have crooked, misaligned, or crowded teeth, brushing and flossing efficiently can become more difficult, allowing plaque to congregate in all the nooks and crannies in your smile. Straight teeth provide the ideal scenario for keeping your mouth clean and healthy.
This year, make a goal that matters and will change your life for the better. As you implement these resolutions into your life, you and your dentist in Metairie will see the positive results in your oral and overall health. For more advice on improving your oral health, schedule an appointment with your dentist.
About the Author
Dr. James Nelson is a native to Louisiana and has been serving patients in the Metairie area since 2013, when he opened his practice. He is certified in oral conscious sedation and Invisalign and has studied a the Spear Institute in order to provide a wide range of dental services for every patient. You can contact him by calling (504) 887-3311 or clicking here.