So many people make resolutions when it comes to the new year, and 2014 is a great time to start focusing on resolving to have fantastic oral health. The Schumacher & Bauer, DDS team offers a few simple suggestions to keep in mind as you make your resolution list. Great oral health is the beginning to fantastic overall well being.

Brush and floss daily
Be sure that you and everyone in your family brushes twice a day and flosses at least one time per day. Brushing and flossing regularly provide the perfect foundation for a healthy year.

Visit your dentist
Regular dental checkups every six months keep your teeth clean and healthy while checking to make sure you don’t have any dental health issues looming on the horizon. Regular checkups with the Schumacher & Bauer team help ensure you’re not in danger of gum disease or other health issues.

Avoid tobacco
According to the CDC half of severe gum disease cases in the U.S. among adults are caused by cigarettes. The prevalence of gum disease is three times higher among smokers than it is among non-smokers in the United States. Cigarettes, cigars and smokeless tobacco are definitely the most harmful habits in the fight for great oral health.

Sweets in moderation
Sweets cause tooth decay when candies and chips mix with bacteria in sticky plaque to produce acid, which can destroy tooth enamel. If you eat sweets, remember to brush shortly thereafter to limit the time for harmful acids to attack. And try to limit sugary snacks throughout the day, because the more your teeth are exposed, the more those acids can attack.

Mouthguards
Mouthguards are important for both adults and children who participate in high-contact sports. Mouthguards help absorb and distribute the forces that impact the mouth, teeth, jaw and face. Wearing a mouthguard can help prevent a long list of oral health problems.

As you think about what you want to improve in the new year, keep a few of these tips in mind. Simple steps taken to improve your oral health will help improve your overall health.

Have a healthy and happy new year from the staff at Schumacher & Bauer, DDS!

Source: Delta Dental, “Delta Dental’s Top 5 Oral Health Resolutions for 2013,” December 12, 2012