Be It Resolved: Better Dental Health In 2018
2018 is almost here! Many of us make New Year resolutions to help get back on track towards goals or commitments that we have neglected during the previous year. We vow to improve our health, our relationships, and our wallets!
And to improve ALL of those things, at EK Dental Surgery we’d like to remind you that the New Year is a great opportunity for you and your family to make resolutions towards improving your oral hygiene routine – thus improving all other aspects of your life.
Here are a few key things to remember when planning for optimal oral health throughout the New Year and for years to come.
Make Your Routine Dental Visits
Resolving to schedule and make routine visits to your Glen Waverley dentist can help prevent oral disease or reveal an existing condition before it gets serious. This saves you time, discomfort, and money down the line. Dental visits should take place twice a year to allow your dentist and dental hygienists to keep track of the state of your mouth and work out an appropriate treatment plan to meet your wants and needs.
Avoid Excessive Alcohol And Coffee
There are several ways that too much alcohol can harm your teeth. First, alcoholic beverages often come with a heavy dose of sugar. In addition, alcohol can lead to dehydration, which leads to decreased saliva, which in turn leads to enamel-damaging bacteria and tooth decay.
Beware the staining possibility that can also come with alcoholic drinks. Red wine is extremely well known for this staining ability.
And when considering staining, it is important to know that coffee and tea can also stain the surface of your enamel. This is another reason to brush well, and rinsing your mouth with water after drinking can also help.
Brush & Floss Every Day
Oral hygiene is important, but we all miss a few days here and there. This year, resolve to brush twice a day and floss once a day – every single day, for the whole year. Just think how happy you’ll be when 2019 rolls around!
Choose Whole Foods & Avoid Processed Foods
While this sounds more like a “lose weight” or “improve health” resolution, what’s good for your body is good for your smile, and the reverse is also true. Processed foods usually contain higher levels of sugar and starch than whole, unprocessed foods. Processed foods break down and turn to sugar in the mouth and body more quickly.
Sugar feeds bacteria and accelerates the plaque-building process, leading to decay. Whole foods tend to have more fiber and crunch, which naturally cleanses your teeth as you eat. Most fruits, nuts, veggies and grains are chock-full of vitamins and minerals, which provide nutrition for your teeth. And one more benefit?
Crunchy foods mean more chewing, which mechanically cleans teeth and produces more saliva, the body’s natural way of balancing oral pH.
Live Life to the Fullest
The beginning of the New Year brings the opportunity for a new start, along with a certain level of optimism. And one way to get a new start is with a smile makeover. Why?
- Smiles Make You More Attractive: We are drawn to people who smile.
- It’s Contagious: A simple smile has the ability to brighten a whole room and draw people to you.
- It Can Change Your Mood: Even when you feel down, smiling can trick your body into changing your mood!
- It Boosts Your Immune System: When you smile, your immune function improves due to increased relaxation.
- It Lowers Blood Pressure: The physical act of smiling causes a measurable reduction in your blood pressure.
- It’s A Natural Drug: Smiling releases endorphins, serotonin, and natural painkillers.
- It Makes You Look Younger: The muscles your body uses to smile actually lift the face, making you appear younger and healthier!
- Smiling Makes You More Successful: People who smile seem more confident and approachable.
Instead of letting your smile hold you back this upcoming year, invest in cosmetic dentistry. At EK Dental Surgery, we offer a variety of cosmetic solutions including veneers, teeth whitening, braces, and more. Enjoy the freedom of a stunning smile!
Quit Using Tobacco Products
Quitting cigarette and smokeless tobacco is a key step towards improving your oral and overall health. There is no better time than this year for a resolution to stop tobacco use. You can use free online tools, smoking cessation groups, progress-tracking apps and support from friends and family to assist in quitting.
More Reasons to Smile at EK Dental!
EK Dental Surgery offers a wide range of preventative and cosmetic dental procedures for children, seniors, and everyone in between! It is our pleasure to serve you during the New Year holidays, and the years to follow.
EK Dental Surgery is conveniently located on Springvale Road in Glen Waverley.
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Call us on (03) 9887 8787 or request an appointment online today!
