Not everyone visits the dentist regularly. Some people don't go until they have a problem with their teeth, instead of proactively tackling total oral care beforehand. In many cases, the problem is already so aggravated that it hurts and can cost a lot of money. That is why we have listed 4 ways here how you can always ensure a healthy smile this year.
1. Never skip a check-up. Semi-annual checkups are essential for maintaining a healthy mouth and overall health. Oral hygiene is strongly linked to the functioning of other systems and organs in the body. Research shows that periodontitis, a serious gum disease, can increase the risk of developing heart disease.
2. Make it an obligation to floss. Unfortunately, brushing your teeth daily, morning and evening, is not enough to prevent plaque from building up on the teeth. The new year is an ideal time to put new habits, including more flossing, on the schedule.
3. Avoid sweets to prevent tooth decay. Studies confirm that there is a direct link between the amount of sugar a person eats and the amount of tooth decay it can lead to. While a cookie is fine on its own from time to time, there are easy ways to cut back on sugar every day. You can read them here.
4. Stop smoking. Smoking doubles the risk of gum disease. While it is well known that smoking is very dangerous to our overall health, this habit can actually significantly deteriorate your teeth and gums. So stop smoking this year.
