Your Dentist Reminds You to Care for Your Smile in 2018

“This year I want to _____.” What do you fill in the blank with? Maybe you want to hit the gym more often, become better at managing your time, or build closer relationships with your family members. We wish you the best of success with all of your New Year’s Resolutions! However, we also want to suggest that you put one more item on your to-do list for 2018: Make caring for your teeth and gums a priority. Your dentist in Carmel is here to suggest a few resolutions that will contribute to a healthier mouth.

Visit Your Dentist

How long has it been since you visited your dentist? If the answer to that question is anything longer than six months, it’s time to head in for a cleaning and checkup. Not only will your mouth feel fresher afterward, but you’ll also have a better idea of where your oral health stands. Your dentist can alert you to any developing oral health problems and offer personalized suggestions on how you can improve your oral hygiene routine at home.

Adjust Your Diet

Everyone deserves to have a treat once in a while, whether it’s a piece of cake, a sugar-filled latte, or a can of soda — but you know those things aren’t good for your teeth. Sugar and acid promote plaque formation and tooth decay. Please be aware of how the things you eat will affect your smile, and enjoy teeth-hurting goodies in moderation. Also, remember to brush your teeth about 30 minutes to an hour after you indulge so you can get rid of bacteria and new plaque.

Floss, Floss, Floss

Too many people believe that flossing isn’t necessary, but it is! It cleans those tight spaces between your teeth that your toothbrush can’t reach. If the bacteria and food particles that get stuck there are allowed to hang around for too long, you could end up with cavities, bad breath, or maybe even an infection. We urge you to commit to flossing at least once every day.

Beat Bad Habits

Almost everyone has one or two habits that have the potential to damage their oral health. For example:

• Smoking. The use of tobacco products can stain your teeth, lead to bad breath, and increase your risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
• Munching on ice. Ice is so hard that it may break your teeth.
• Bruxism (teeth grinding). This can wear down your tooth enamel and make your teeth more sensitive. It can also ruin their shape.

If you have any customs that are causing your teeth to suffer, make a plan to change your ways. You might need to ask your doctor for help to quit smoking, or perhaps you need to go to your dentist for a nightguard that will stop you from grinding your teeth.

We hope your 2018 is a year of great accomplishments and great oral health!

About Kristoff and Associates

Dr. David J. Kristoff and the rest of the team at our practice love to help people achieve healthy, beautiful smiles. If it’s time for your next checkup or you have questions about how to care for your teeth, please contact us at 317-846-3436.