From Your Dentist: Make Oral Health One of Your New Year’s Resolutions

When it comes to your health, the new year is an excellent time to start with a clean slate, and your oral health is no exception. Because of all the information regarding the link between your oral health and your overall health, there has never been a better time to make your dental care a priority, and your dentist has some tips on how you can do it.

Brushing Before You go to Bed

It’s pretty simple to remember to brush your teeth when you wake up in the morning; however, brushing before bed is easier to overlook, especially if you’re tired after a long day. Brushing before bed is essential because it removes all the bacteria in your mouth left there from the meals you’ve eaten throughout the day. If it is not removed during brushing, the bacteria will turn into plaque that sits on your teeth and breaks down your enamel.

Flossing Once a Day

Flossing is actually a very easy habit that many people skip because they are tired or feel it’s time-consuming. However, when you floss your teeth once a day, it removes the plaque and bacteria buildup in between them, which is important because you can actually get cavities in between your teeth.

If you’re not flossing at all, start by committing to at least one day a week and then slowly add days as it becomes a habit.

Eat More Fruits and Vegetables

The new year is a great time to make some healthy changes to your diet. If you find yourself reaching for an afternoon snack, consider choosing fruits and veggies over chips, crackers, or bagels.

Fruits and vegetables increase saliva flow, which helps to wash away the excess debris in your mouth left over after meals. They also neutralize the acids in your mouth that cause tooth decay and cavities.

Routine Dental Visits

Since studies have shown a correlation between your periodontal health and other concerns in the body such as heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes, visiting your dentist in Burlington, MA consistently for a six-month cleaning and checkup is critical not only for your oral health but also your overall health and well-being.

Your dentist screens for issues such as periodontal disease, tooth decay, and cavities during every routine examination. Early detection of these concerns gives you the best chance of successfully treating them.

The good news for patients with dental insurance is that your routine cleaning and checkups are typically covered, which means that there is very little or even no out-of-pocket cost for your six-month appointments. If you don’t have dental insurance, ask your dentist’s treatment coordinator for some helpful tips on fitting dentistry into your budget.

Contact your dentist today for more information or to schedule your next visit.

About the Author

Dr. Derek Song and Dr. Yumi Ogata combine their talents and experience to provide comprehensive dental care to patients in Burlington, MA. Patients enjoy personalized care and one-on-one attention delivered in a friendly and caring environment.

To contact Dr. Song or Dr. Ogata, you can call 781-272-5890 or reach them online.