2012, a New Year. A New You! Here are five resolutions to make your smile as vibrant and healthy as ever:1. Brighter smile.
Stains from food and drinks are responsible for making your teeth
darker – brown, blue, green orange and yellow. Rinse with water
immediately after eating or drinking darker food and drink for a
brighter smile. For more permanent stains, see your dentist to inquire
about tooth whitening procedures.
Here’s an ABC News article on whitening from a few years ago where they discussed “bleachorexics” and the implications of tooth whitening.
2. Habits.
Develop new habits for 18 consecutive days. Remember to set up for
life and for dental health. Be focused with an oral health plan such as
tooth brush, toothpaste, mouth rinse, and water.
3. Healthy Mouth.
Be resolved to understand that the mouth IS connected to the rest of
the body. A healthier mouth can lead to a healthier body as a whole.
Understand this key distinction. A recent study linked oral health with
the condition of your heart. Share it with your friends. Share it with
your family. Share it with your co-workers or classmates. Be a
lighthouse for health!
4. 7-Minute Window.
Realize that it only takes 7 minutes for dental disease to start. Understand the nature of the7-minute window and
the impact it has on your health. You may begin to feel better and have
more energy overall. And learn how to properly clean your entire mouth,
not just your teeth.
5. Visit your dentist regularly.
If there any changes in your mouth that last longer than 3 days, call
to make an appointment to visit with your dentist. Changes in tooth
position, gum color, swelling around the mouth or neck, tooth pain, gum
tissue (gingival) pain, tooth color changes, any dental work (such as
crowns, inlays, onlays, ceramic veneers, bridges, dentures, or dental
implants) or bite changes – can all lead to other long-term mouth
problems. Also it’s important to visit with your dentist to have your teeth cleaned regularly with an oral exam – to detect health or disease and treat as quickly as practical