5 New Year’s resolutions for your teeth

Prevention is the best cure when it comes to peak oral health – brushing twice and flossing or pipe-cleaning once each day will prevent plaque from developing on and between your teeth, which in turn prevents gum disease and other, more serious, health issues. If you’ve been a bit slack with your dental hygiene routine, make 2019 the year that you commit to a regular brushing and inter-dental cleaning schedule. At Park Dental Care, our friendly dental therapists Emma, Christina and Karen can show you the most effective brushing and flossing techniques and help you kick-start a new oral hygiene routine that will keep gum disease at bay. 

 

Christmas is the season of overindulgence, and we often say to ourselves, “That’s it – no more sugary snacks!” Unfortunately, the low-sugar diet rarely lasts and soon we’re back to our old unhealthy habits. Research shows that the more sugar we consume, the more likely we are to suffer from tooth decay, which can lead to tooth loss as well as many other health problems. Making simple substitutions, such as adding fruit to cereal instead of table sugar, using spices or extracts in recipes, and drinking water instead of manufactured drinks will make a huge difference to your oral health. 

 

Tobacco causes all sorts of oral health problems, including bad breath, stained teeth, gum disease, tooth loss, and an increased risk of oral cancer. Quitting the habit is one of the best things you can do for your oral health (not to mention your general health) next year. Chewing sugar-free gum may help to reduce cravings – as an added benefit, it also stimulates the flow of saliva that washes away bacteria and neutralises the acids in your mouth after a meal or snack. 

 

If you’re looking for a brighter, whiter smile, try to cut down on foods and drinks that stain your teeth. Some of the worst culprits include tea, coffee, red wine, cola, beets (or fruits with a strong natural dye), curry, and soy sauce. You can also give your smile a boost with a tooth whitening appointment at Park Dental Care. We offer both surface stain removal and take-home bleaching options that can make a huge difference to your appearance and confidence levels. 

 

Whether you’ve been putting off dental work that you know you need or are simply due for a regular check-up, now’s the perfect time to schedule that appointment. Our friendly and professional team at Park Dental Care take great pride in our gentle and respectful approach to patient care and will make sure you start 2019 with the best possible dental health. Contact us today to make an appointment.