July Resolutions

Who here is still going strong on their New Year’s resolution?

We know that we’ve slipped in the last eight months on at least a couple of them. While falling down on healthy eating habits or losing the spark to go to the gym can be discouraging, now is not the time to give up. In fact, now is the best time to reset.

If we can have Christmas in July, why not a resolution reboot in July as well? This go around let’s skip the cliché resolutions and pick something that can immediately transform your health and well-being.

This July, commit to a better oral health routine. While you may think this resolution is ridiculous, since you’re either an avid brusher or just think the resolution isn’t glamourous enough, there is something for everyone in this dental challenge. And the best part: this resolution will take you less than ten minutes a day and is guaranteed to save you money.

Proactively taking care of your teeth is the best prevention there is. Keep reading for some of our best dental practices and drop us a note on our Facebook wall to tell us how you’re doing with this resolution.

Remember to brush AND floss every day

More than 70% of Americans brush their teeth at least twice a day while only 40% admit to flossing. Brushing alone is not enough since plaque can easily build up between each tooth and on the gum line.

What’s more, research has shown that flossing has an impact on the entire body. Bacteria that cause tooth and gum decay also play a role in heart disease and strokes. Most bacteria in your mouth isn’t dangerous; however, poor oral care or a suppressed immune system could allow the bad bacteria to quickly multiply. These bad bacteria can enter your bloodstream through cuts in your gums and cause infections in your heart or lungs.

Flossing must be an integral part of your daily routine, and does more good than just give your whiter teeth and fresh breath. Flossing can help prevent a host of diseases and keep you healthy, so resolve to do it!

Examine your diet

Eating a healthier diet is always at the top of the most popular resolution lists, so instead of take the traditional perspective let’s put a new spin on it:

Try eliminating or reducing sugars in your diet, specifically.

For example, swap a coke at lunch for a sparkling water with lime, or ditch the peppermint on the way out of a restaurant for a piece of sugar free gum. The goal here is not a radical diet change, but small improvements that will boost the health of your teeth.

In addition to eliminating certain foods, consider increasing the number of fruits, vegetables, healthy proteins and dairy in your diet. Many fibrous foods act as natural toothbrushes that scrub your teeth as you eat. Healthy, lean protein sources and dairy can increase the strength of your teeth and jaw bones. This will help prevent against chipped teeth or tooth loss.

Visit the dentist 

For some, this may be the most difficult component of the July dental challenge. If you haven’t had an appointment in a while, it’s important to set a baseline and work up from there. And if you have dental anxieties, our office is expertly trained to help you address your concerns. For new patients we run specials that includes a full cleaning and x-rays, too.

If you have been seeing the dentist yet still have concerns about the whiteness of your teeth, or are embarrassed that your teeth are not aligned, then schedule an appointment to discuss a cosmetic procedure. Let this summer reset put you on the path for a smile you will be proud of!