Looking For Healthy And Easy New Year’s Resolutions?

2017 is right around the corner, and most of us are brainstorming ways to improve for the New Year! Common resolutions include: go to the gym, lose 10 pounds, drop a dress size, eat better, call your mother more often, save more money, work less, travel more etc., etc.…These resolutions are good, but of the 120 million Americans who ring in the New Year, 36 percent give up on their resolution by the end of January. The problem usually is the resolution itself. We want to give you ten “Dental Resolutions” which are easy to keep and will make you feel better about your overall health!

1. CHANGE YOUR TOOTHBRUSH
Toothbrushes should be replaced about every 3 months. The bristles should look almost brand new. If they look worn and flared, chances are the toothbrush is not cleaning your teeth effectively and it’s harboring lots of gross bacteria! Same goes for electric brush heads, they do need to be replaced every 3 months.

2. UPGRADE YOUR TOOTHBRUSH
Speaking of electric brushes….If you are still using a manual toothbrush, then it’s time to treat yourself (and your teeth!) Electric toothbrushes do a much better job at removing plaque and food debris from the surfaces of your teeth. They also have timers which help you brush for the full amount of time you need in order to clean all those surfaces (2 minutes!). Ask one of the team members at Crossroads Dental Arts which brush would work best for you These are also GREAT Christmas presents for family members.

3. FLOSS EVERY DAY
We know that most people don’t floss regularly, or at all. This is a big one that could really change the health of your gums. Flossing everyday helps to prevent gum disease. Not only will it help you to keep your teeth healthy for a lifetime but it will also decrease your risk for heart disease, stroke, diabetic complications, and pre-term labor and low birth weight!
If you currently don’t floss, this is the perfect resolution. If you’re unsure of the best way to floss, please ask at your next visit. We love to demonstrate the correct technique to maximize your efforts!

4. WEAR A MOUTHGUARD
Mouth injuries are very common from sports and can cause major problems, especially to your precious smile. Who wants to deal with a chipped, broken or even worse, lost front tooth for the rest of their lives!? Give us a call and we will fit you or your child (and the whole team!) with a well-fitting custom mouthguard.

5. QUIT DRINKING SODAS, JUICES, & ENERGY DRINKS 
Substituting soda and juice for water will benefit you in more ways than one! The excessive amounts of sugar and the acidic nature of the soda and juice are very destructive to your teeth. Soda and juice not only cause cavities and tooth erosion, but also contribute to obesity, diarrhea, and other stomach problems such as excessive gas, bloating, and abdominal pain. Lastly, switching to water will save you money!

6. BE KIND TO YOUR TEETH
You only have one set of (adult) teeth, so take care of them! Avoid using your teeth to open bottles, bite your nails, or chew on pen caps!! They should only be used to chew and bite food, speak, and of course, SMILE

7. WHITEN YOUR SMILE
What better way to reward yourself? Who doesn’t want a bright smile? Professional whitening is the best way to whiten your teeth. Ask us for the details, it is super easy!

8. QUIT SMOKING
Now this is a more popular resolution, but it’s worth including in our dental list because it is SO important! As if cancer, heart disease, emphysema, pregnancy complications and a host of chronic illnesses are enough of a reason to quit smoking, it’s important to know smoking is bad for your mouth and teeth as well! Smoking causes mouth cancer, increases your risk for gum disease, stains your teeth, and gives you stinky breath!

9. GET THAT NIGHTGUARD
If you are clenching or grinding your teeth, or have been told you are (many people don’t know if they are doing it while they sleep), then you should wear a night guard. Clenching and grinding damage your teeth by wearing away the enamel. This enamel is irreplaceable! It can also cause loose fillings and broken teeth, resulting in the need for crowns or root canals. What’s worse is that you are also causing damage to your TMJ and facial muscles, as well as tooth sensitivity and headaches.

10. DON’T DELAY
Whether it’s been 8 months or 8 years, don’t put off your dental visit! Keeping regular visits and maintaining a great relationship with your dental provider is key to excellent oral and overall health! At Crossroads Dental Arts we practice preventative dentistry in an effort to avoid problems before they start. This will keep you pain free and is less costly in the long run. Everyone deserves a healthy and beautiful smile.