As 2015 draws to an end, we have been thinking about our New Year’s resolutions. It seems like many of our resolutions stay the same every year. (“Exercise more” comes to mind.)
When you sit down to make your plans for 2016, we encourage you to remember your teeth and gums. We want you to avoid periodontal disease and tooth decay, and that may mean facing your fear of the dentist.
At Beaumont Family Dentistry, we encourage our patients in and around Lexington to keep their mouths healthy. Following our suggestions for your New Year’s dental resolutions can help you do just that.
- Quit using tobacco (or don’t start)
By now, everyone should know that using tobacco is horrible for your health. It increases your risk of tooth decay, periodontal disease, and oral cancer. It also stains your teeth and causes bad breath … in addition to all the other health problems it can cause.
By quitting tobacco, you might be saving your teeth and extending your life.
- Brush your teeth twice a day
This is an important part of your oral hygiene routine. You should brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time. This removes the bacteria that causes plaque, which can lead to tooth decay and periodontal disease.
Be sure to use a soft-bristled toothbrush and scrub your teeth from every side.
- Floss every day
This removes the bacteria and plaque that you can’t reach with brushing alone. It’s important to get between your teeth and between your teeth and gums.
Watch for signs of the early stages of periodontal disease, like gums that bleed easily. If this happens, you should keep flossing. If you floss consistently, the bleeding should stop. (If it doesn’t, that makes Resolution No. 4 that much more important.)
- Visit Beaumont Family Dentistry twice for professional cleanings
Even if you brush and floss every day, you won’t be able to stop all the plaque from building inside your mouth. A professional cleaning by oen of our hygienists will keep your mouth free from plaque and tartar.
During your visits, we’ll also check for signs of tooth decay and periodontal disease. If necessary, we can recommend and provide the needed treatment for you.
- Face your fear of the dentist
In order to accomplish Resolution No. 4, you may need to deal with your dental fear or dental anxiety. Fear of the dentist keeps millions of Americans from receiving proper dental care every year.
That’s why we offer three types of sedation dentistry — nitrous oxide, oral conscious sedation, and IV sedation.
No matter how much you may worry about coming to the dentist, sedation dentistry will help you relax so that you can receive a cleaning or other procedure. With time, our hope is that it will help you feel more comfortable about seeing us on a regular basis.
- Wear an athletic mouthguard
Caring for your teeth requires you to take preventive steps. That’s why you should brush and floss daily and visit one of our dentist offices in Lexington every six months.
It’s also why you should wear a custom-fitted athletic mouthguard. Whether you are a high school superstar or a recreational player, a proper fitting athletic mouthguard can save your teeth in the event of a fall, an accidental elbow, or a ball hitting you in the face.
- Stop snoring
Frequent, loud snoring is a symptom of sleep apnea. People with sleep apnea often struggle to get quality sleep. Their snoring may be preventing their loved ones from getting a good night’s sleep as well.
The most common treatment for obstructive sleep apnea is a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine. Unfortunately, many people with sleep apnea do not like wearing the mask needed to use a CPAP.
If you are one of those people, we can create an oral appliance that will relieve the symptoms of your sleep apnea and greatly reduce your snoring.
Have a happy and healthy new year
As we reflect on the year that was, we hope the lessons you have learned with carry into 2016, and we hope the new year will be a happy and healthy one for you and your family.
Whether or not you make resolutions, we hope you will keep our suggestions in mind for the sake of your oral health. Remember to brush, floss, and visit Beaumont Family Dentistry in Lexington twice a year.
You can make an appointment by calling any of our offices or by filling out our online form.
We also look forward to meeting new patients every year. If you are looking for a dentist for you or your family, please fill out this form to plan your first visit with us.