New Year’s Resolutions to Improve Your Tooth Health
January 8, 2018
When December ends and January arrives, many of us make us make resolutions to improve our lives, our health and our finances.
If you’re in the habit of making resolutions each year, why not make a resolution that improves the health of your smile?
Check out these easy resolutions that will improve your tooth health in 2018.
1. Schedule a Dental Exam/Cleaning
If improving your dental health is your goal, it’s important to make regular visits to your dentist.
For individuals with few dental issues, the American Dental Association recommends at least one dental visit per year. If you have a history of tooth problems or issues, they recommend two annual visits to your dentist.
Regular dentist visits will help you catch tooth problems before they get worse. This can help you avoid dental pain, dental surgery and more extreme dental procedures.
2. Get a New Toothbrush Every 3 Months
Have a frayed, 3-year-old toothbrush sitting on your bathroom counter? Throw it out, and get a new one. Resolve to replace your standard toothbrush every 3-4 months from here on out.
Why, you wonder?
According to the American Dental Association, toothbrush bristles become frayed over time, reducing their effectiveness. A new toothbrush will clean your teeth more thoroughly, helping you maintain your oral health.
3. Floss Once Per Day
Flossing is an essential part of maintaining good tooth health. Flossing helps remove plaque and build-up under the gums–in the areas that your toothbrush can’t reach.
The American Dental Association recommends flossing once a day for optimal dental health.
Although it can be a tedious task, setting a resolution to floss more regularly in 2018 will help improve your oral health. Ready to tackle your 2018 resolutions for a healthier smile? Start by setting an appointment with a dentist you can trust.
Patriot Family Dental is proud to be one of Middle Tennessee’s leading dental practices.
Contact us today to learn more about our dental services!
The post New Year’s Resolutions to Improve Your Tooth Health appeared first on Patriot Family Dental.
At Patriot Family Dental, we know your gums do more than support your teeth. The condition of your gums can give valuable insight into your overall health. Changes in your gum health may be early warning signs of issues affecting other parts of the body. Understanding what your gums tell you can help you take early actions to preserve your oral health and general well-being. Healthy Gums Signify Positive Oral Health Healthy gums should appear pink, firm, and fit snugly around your teeth. They should not bleed during brushing or flossing or feel tender or swollen. Healthy gums create a protective barrier that keeps harmful bacteria from entering the bloodstream. However, when gum health begins to decline, your body may be signaling that something needs attention. Warning Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore Many people assume bleeding gums are normal, but they are often an early sign of gum disease. Gum disease begins when plaque and bacteria accumulate along the gumline, causing inflammation and irritation. Common symptoms that may indicate a problem include: • Bleeding gums during brushing or flossing • Red, swollen, or tender gums • Persistent bad breath • Receding gums • Loose teeth • Increased tooth sensitivity • Pain when chewing If you notice any of these symptoms, schedule a dental examination as soon as possible. Early treatment can prevent more serious oral and systemic health concerns. The Link Between Gums & Overall Health Studies have proven strong relationships from oral issues to several chronic health conditions. Inflammation from periodontal disease may affect the body’s immune response and contribute to other health complications. Studies have linked gum disease to: • Heart disease • Diabetes • Stroke • Respiratory infections • Pregnancy complications Uncontrolled diabetes can make gum disease harder to manage, while severe gum disease may make blood sugar levels harder to control. This two-way relationship highlights the crucial role of maintaining healthy gums in integrated healthcare. What Receding Gums May Be Telling You Gum recession occurs when gum tissue pulls away from the teeth, exposing more of the tooth root. It can be caused by gum disease, aggressive brushing, tobacco use, or teeth grinding. Receding gums may cause tooth sensitivity and increase the risk of decay below the gumline. Addressing the cause early helps preserve oral health and prevent further damage. Preventive Dental Care Makes a Difference One of the best ways to keep your gums healthy is regular preventive dental care. Professional cleanings remove plaque and tartar buildup that brushing and flossing alone cannot eliminate. At Patriot Family Dental, we evaluate your gum health during routine visits. By spotting signs of inflammation, infection, or gum disease early, we help you sustain a healthier smile and reduce future risks. You can also support healthy gums at home by: • Brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste • Flossing every day • Using an antimicrobial mouthwash • Eating a balanced diet • Avoiding tobacco products • Scheduling regular dental checkups Listen to Your Gums Your gums reveal important information about your oral and overall health. Paying attention to changes, including bleeding, swelling, or recession, helps catch likely concerns before they worsen. At Patriot Family Dental, we are committed to helping patients achieve healthier smiles via comprehensive, personalized dental care. Whether you are due for a regular cleaning or have concerns about your gum health, our experienced team is here to help. Schedule your next dental appointment today, then take an important step toward protecting your smile and your total wellness.
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At Patriot Family Dental, we know your gums do more than support your teeth. The condition of your gums can give valuable insight into your overall health. Changes in your gum health may be early warning signs of issues affecting other parts of the body. Understanding what your gums tell you can help you take early actions to preserve your oral health and general well-being. Healthy Gums Signify Positive Oral Health Healthy gums should appear pink, firm, and fit snugly around your teeth. They should not bleed during brushing or flossing or feel tender or swollen. Healthy gums create a protective barrier that keeps harmful bacteria from entering the bloodstream. However, when gum health begins to decline, your body may be signaling that something needs attention. Warning Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore Many people assume bleeding gums are normal, but they are often an early sign of gum disease. Gum disease begins when plaque and bacteria accumulate along the gumline, causing inflammation and irritation. Common symptoms that may indicate a problem include: • Bleeding gums during brushing or flossing • Red, swollen, or tender gums • Persistent bad breath • Receding gums • Loose teeth • Increased tooth sensitivity • Pain when chewing If you notice any of these symptoms, schedule a dental examination as soon as possible. Early treatment can prevent more serious oral and systemic health concerns. The Link Between Gums & Overall Health Studies have proven strong relationships from oral issues to several chronic health conditions. Inflammation from periodontal disease may affect the body’s immune response and contribute to other health complications. Studies have linked gum disease to: • Heart disease • Diabetes • Stroke • Respiratory infections • Pregnancy complications Uncontrolled diabetes can make gum disease harder to manage, while severe gum disease may make blood sugar levels harder to control. This two-way relationship highlights the crucial role of maintaining healthy gums in integrated healthcare. What Receding Gums May Be Telling You Gum recession occurs when gum tissue pulls away from the teeth, exposing more of the tooth root. It can be caused by gum disease, aggressive brushing, tobacco use, or teeth grinding. Receding gums may cause tooth sensitivity and increase the risk of decay below the gumline. Addressing the cause early helps preserve oral health and prevent further damage. Preventive Dental Care Makes a Difference One of the best ways to keep your gums healthy is regular preventive dental care. Professional cleanings remove plaque and tartar buildup that brushing and flossing alone cannot eliminate. At Patriot Family Dental, we evaluate your gum health during routine visits. By spotting signs of inflammation, infection, or gum disease early, we help you sustain a healthier smile and reduce future risks. You can also support healthy gums at home by: • Brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste • Flossing every day • Using an antimicrobial mouthwash • Eating a balanced diet • Avoiding tobacco products • Scheduling regular dental checkups Listen to Your Gums Your gums reveal important information about your oral and overall health. Paying attention to changes, including bleeding, swelling, or recession, helps catch likely concerns before they worsen. At Patriot Family Dental, we are committed to helping patients achieve healthier smiles via comprehensive, personalized dental care. Whether you are due for a regular cleaning or have concerns about your gum health, our experienced team is here to help. Schedule your next dental appointment today, then take an important step toward protecting your smile and your total wellness.
At Patriot Family Dental, we believe your smile is connected to more than just your teeth. Your oral health plays an important role in your overall wellness...
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If you’ve been thinking about refreshing your smile, here are six popular cosmetic dental procedures that can make a dramatic difference.
At Patriot Family Dental, we believe that a smile makeover is not just about creating a beautiful appearance—it’s about helping you feel happier and healthier.
At Patriot Family Dental we believe in offering cosmetic dentistry that’s appropriate for every age, so your smile looks its best and stays healthy.
Let’s explore the top five signs that indicate it’s time to schedule a dentist visit—and why brushing these symptoms aside could cost you more than your smile.