Resolutions…goals…whatever annual strategy you choose – you use them in every area of your life. Why not include your dental health as you welcome the New Year?
A few oral health basics can help assure that your teeth and gums stay healthy between now and this time next year. Also consider these a gentle nudge to help provide some cost savings too.
Five Health Improving Dental Solutions for the New Year (and Beyond)
1-Prioritize preventive dental care
Your teeth and gums have lifetime value. But lifestyle, diet, and simple neglect can put them at risk for decay, damage, and disease.
- Daily brushing and flossing are fundamental to keeping your mouth healthy.
- Schedule a dental examination and teeth cleaning with Dr. Fitch and one of their excellent dental hygienists two times per year (every six months).
- Focus on good nutrition. Ask us about dental friendly diet choices and items to avoid such as sodas and energy drinks.
2-Get serious about periodontal (gum) disease
Why?
It’s the leading cause of adult tooth loss. Gum disease is also linked to other serious health conditions such as heart disease and high blood pressure.
Stay ahead of it…
- Dental exams and professional teeth cleanings are among your first lines of defense.
- Observe changes to your gums. Gum infection symptoms include bleeding and inflammation.
- Ask us about a deep cleaning. Scaling and root planing is an advanced procedure that removes harmful, disease-causing bacteria that can cause more serious gum issues.
3-Treat tooth loss
Missing or damaged teeth have a long-term impact on your oral health. For example, your adjoining teeth can become misaligned if you delay tooth replacement. Bone loss is also an issue.
- Be aware of your solutions for missing teeth replacement. Dental implants and dental bridges are common options that restore your tooth function and appearance.
- Schedule an examination and consultation as soon as possible following tooth loss. Timing can prevent bone and tissue damage plus save you longterm treatment costs.
4-Restore teeth that are damaged
Like tooth loss, tooth damage affects your oral health. Chipped, broken, or fractured teeth and older, worn dental restorations (fillings and crowns) can enhance your decay risk.
- Schedule a dental examination and update your dental x-rays. This can help us diagnose any problem areas.
Seek information about your restorative dentistry options. Dental crowns, dental bonding, tooth-colored dental fillings, and more are common solutions to restore your teeth.
5-Evaluate and use your dental insurance benefits
Dental insurance coverage renews annually. A new amount of benefits are available at the beginning of each year.
Reduce your out-of-pocket treatment costs…
- Schedule any dental treatment you’ve been delaying. A new year means new benefits that can improve your oral health and smile.
- Delaying dental care generally increases costs as less treatment will be needed with small cavities
Now’s a good time for a fresh start! Begin the year including your dental care among your New Year goals.Contact your San Luis Obispo dentist, Dr. Fitch to schedule your next dental examination. Ask us how you can make your oral health a priority this year.