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5 new year’s resolutions for your dental health

Published: 01 January 2017

A new year has come, promising to help fulfil a host of things noted down on our resolutions’ list; although these are often fun to make but quite difficult to maintain. Here at Clyde Munro, we thought we’d help out by providing some ideas for dental health resolutions that might be easy to keep and will provide benefits for the whole of 2017 and beyond!

 

  1. Commit to healthier dental habits

Committing to brushing and flossing your teeth twice a day will help prevent many unwanted issues, such as plaque buildup, which can lead to bleeding gums and even sensitive teeth. So, before something small escalates into a much more serious issue, it’s best to put some floss next to your toothpaste so you can reach out to it every time you brush. If you struggle with flossing, speak to your Clyde Munro dentist or hygienist who will be able to offer advice on different techniques or products to use that will make the job much easier!

 

  1. Limit your sugar intake

Besides contributing to weight gain and a myriad of health problems, sugar can also lead to tooth decay, making it our nemesis here at Clyde Munro. Consuming sugary foods feeds the harmful oral bacteria that attack the tooth enamel (the protective layer of our teeth), which can cause cavities over time that can lead to pain and potential tooth loss if you do not seek dental treatment. The most convenient way to limit sugar intake is to read food labels as sugar can be found in the most unexpected foods, such as sauces and cereal bars. Changing your eating habits and swapping fizzy drinks for water or distracting your mind when you have a craving for something sweet (i.e. chew sugar-free gum) are some helpful ideas.

 

  1. Give up smoking

Quitting smoking is one of the most popular goals on resolution lists across the world. On top of the health problems that it can cause to your lungs and heart, smoking and using tobacco (including smokeless) can also harm and discolour your teeth, increase the risk of gum disease and recession, and put you at a higher risk of oral cancer. There’s no denying that this is a challenging task thanks to the highly addictive nature of nicotine. There are many effective strategies for giving up the habit, such as avoiding being around other people who smoke or use tobacco, changing your routine, getting support, or signing up for group or individual counselling. Here at Clyde Munro, we can help by providing tips and advice, and we can put you in touch with various resources in your local area that can really help you kick the habit for good.

 

  1. Reduce alcohol intake

Much like smoking, alcohol can have devastating effects on our overall health and can even lead to dental problems such as gum disease, tooth decay and mouth sores, because it irritates the soft tissues inside the mouth. Alcohol is also another risk factor when it comes to oral cancer. Resolving to give up drinking, or reducing your consumption, can lead to positive effects on your health and at Clyde Munro we’d be more than happy to provide some of the support you may require to do this.

 

  1. Visit your dentist regularly

We all know by now that maintaining good oral health has a direct impact on our overall well being. Many serious health conditions, such as heart disease and diabetes, have been systemically linked to bacteria from the mouth entering the bloodstream. Regular visits to your Clyde Munro dentist and hygienist can prevent dental health issues before they require more expensive or comprehensive treatment. Make the resolution to improve your dental health today by booking an appointment at your nearest Clyde Munro dental practice, just use the practice finder online, we’re looking forward to your visit!

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