New year, new smile. That’s one of many intentions some of us set as we said goodbye to 2018 and hello to a brand new year. As we come to a close on the first month of the year, it’s a good time to check in on how we’re doing with reaching those goals and re-evaluate our plans of action, if necessary. If you’ve added some oral hygiene-based goals to your vision board, now’s a great time to check some things off your list. If not, it’s never too late to get started. Below is our checklist of top dental goals for the year to help you recharge and get one step closer to having that smile you’ve always wanted.
Schedule a cleaning every 6 months (or twice a year)
Ugh, we know–it’s a pain to schedule a health-related appointment of any kind. However, there’s a reason why dentists recommend having a cleaning every 6 months. Between the inevitable plaque build up, the occasional cavity-causing sweet tooth many of us get from time to time, it’s important for a dentist to observe any changes in the teeth to catch disease and other ailments dead in their tracks. Six months marks an ideal time to identify issues before they become a burden to your overall health… and your wallet.
Say “bye-bye” to cavities once and for all
Cavities are so 2018. Not only do we want you to keep all your teeth, but we also want you to keep healthy and strong teeth that don’t cause pain and sensitivity. If you’ve ever had a cavity, then you know how worrisome they can be. So this year, let’s commit to having our teeth examined for any problem areas and sealed to help reduce the chances of recurrence.
Switch to a dental-positive diet
Some foods just aren’t good for our teeth–we all know this. Be it a sugary treat or a savory starch that will eventually break down to sugar, our teeth are not equipped to withstand the tasty intrusion. So this year, let’s cut back on the baked goods and acidic liquids (sorry, coffee lovers) and treat ourselves to more water, veggies, and fruits. Your teeth and your body will thank you.
Get a brighter smile
This simple to-do is a popular goal–who doesn’t want a bright smile that’s memorable and heartwarming? For most people, white teeth feel like an unobtainable, expensive goal. But this is far from the truth. In fact, we offer simple solutions that are easy to maintain. So, once we’ve eliminated the staining culprits (see above), it’s prime time to get those pearly whites as bright as possible and maintain a regimen to keep them shining.
Be more proactive with dental goals
Let’s be honest–we all drop the ball on dental checkups sometimes. But often, even the smallest problems can lead to major health problems when left untreated. For example, what may seem like a minor sensitive tooth, when left unchecked, could lead to a deep cavity that may require a root canal or even the removal of that tooth altogether. Another example: what may seem like simple bad breath could really be halitosis and/or a sign of gum disease. While these are extreme cases, they are very real possibilities. Gone are the days of letting problems fester and implode at the most inconvenient moment. It’s time to take pro-action!
Smile more
A new study from the University of Missouri-Kansas City shows that smiling can make you look younger. So before you go spending thousands of dollars on cosmetic enhancers, put on a smile and feel like your best self! From boosting mood to being a mark of marital prosperity, there are tons of other benefits to accessorizing the face with a smile. It’s incredible how something so simple can make such a huge difference.
Whatever goals you set for the year, we want to help you stick to your plan by giving you the tools and information to stay on the right track all year long and many years to come. Do you have any dental goals not listed above? Shoot us a message! Setting a new-year resolution can be tough, especially as the thrill of the holiday season comes to a close. But it doesn’t have to be impossible.