Many
New Years' resolutions have to do with losing weight and getting into
shape. A majority of these resolutions go unfilled. A whopping 80
percent of
people who make New Year's resolutions have already dropped them in
the second month of the year.
If
you want to make a New Year's resolution you can keep, why not
resolve to improve your oral health? Besides giving you a nicer
smile, improved oral health also raises your confidence, decreases
bad breath, and increase the chances of keeping your teeth as you get
older.
Here
are four New Year's resolutions to make to improve your oral health.
1.
I'm Going to Make an Appointment for a Routine Dental Exam
If
it's been years since your last dentist appointment, don't let this
deter you from making one. There are many people who haven't gone to
the dentist in years. Most dentists won't judge you for waiting so
long to see them. Their primary concern is helping you take care of
your teeth.
If
you haven't had a routine dental exam in a while, here's what you can
expect:
- Thorough
examination of your teeth and gums to detect cavities or tartar
buildup.
- X-rays to detect
cavities in between teeth or abnormal bone growth.
- Examination of the
tongue, throat and neck, to detect oral cancer.
Once
the teeth have been examined, a dental hygienist will remove plaque
and tartar. After your teeth are scaled, they will floss and polish
them. If you need to get a cavity filled or need any other dental
procedures, you will make another appointment.
2.
I Want a Whiter, Brighter Smile
You
might already see your dentist on a regular basis, and your teeth are
healthy, but do you wish you could have a whiter, brighter smile? If
you want whiter teeth, you are certainly not alone — many Americans
long for a white smile.
If
this is a goal of yours, why not make a New Year's resolution to make
it happen? Having whiter teeth can help to improve your appearance,
increase your confidence, and even minimize the look of wrinkles. To
whiten teeth, many dentists offer in-office procedures. They might
also supervise the use of at-home teeth whitening procedures.
3.
I Need to Straighten My Crooked Teeth
If
you think braces are just for teenagers, think again. More adults
than ever are making the decision to finally straighten their crooked
teeth. Many adults get braces because they are tired of being
self-conscious of their smile.
Besides
looking better, braces can help adults get their bite adjusted. By
getting their bite adjusted, it will prevent future damage to their
teeth. For adults who don't want to get traditional braces with metal
brackets, they can opt for clear orthodontic braces instead.
4.
I Have to Get My Damaged Teeth Fixed
Are
you embarrassed by damaged or missing teeth? If so, the New Year is
the perfect time to do something about it. There are many things a
dentist can do to make repairs or replace the teeth.
Some
of these procedures include:
These
types of procedures will not only improve your smile, but they will
improve your oral health as well. When you have damaged or missing
teeth, the jaw bone underneath the damaged or missing tooth starts to
deteriorate. The neighboring teeth might also begin to shift and
reposition themselves.
No
matter what kind of New Year's resolution you decide to make to
improve your oral health, our experienced
dentists atFamily Dental Care of Wilmingtoncan help. Get your New Year off
to a great start by contacting us today.
