How to Ramp Up Your Dental Health in the New Year!

With the next 12 months on the horizon, you’re ready to make some positive and lasting changes. This includes improving your dental health. All you need is the right strategy to achieve your goals. As you continue reading, learn some effective ways to hit your New Year’s resolutions for strong and healthy teeth and gums!

Schedule a Dental Visit Now

If you’ve been saying to yourself, “I really need to schedule a dental visit,” then now is the perfect time to take action. By visiting a family dentist in Belchertown, you can have your teeth professionally cleaned to get rid of troublesome bacteria, plaque and tartar. Additionally, you’ll have the peace-of-mind of knowing the condition of your dental health. If there are any potential problems spotted, you can schedule a follow-up visit to ensure they’re addressed before they become worse.

Make Toothbrushing and Flossing a Priority

The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends you brush and floss at least two times a day to control bacteria accumulation and prevent plaque development. If you’ve been falling a little short in this department, there is no time like the present to buckle down. The key is to make improvements based on where you currently are. For example, if you struggle with brushing two times a day, that’s your first challenge to overcome. Then, you can work on consistently flossing at least once a day. The idea is to continuously make improvements, which will translate into better dental health down the road.

Get the Restorative Work You’ve Been Needing

Have you been told that you need a tooth pulled, or that a cavity is present? If you have any restorative work lingering, take the necessary steps to have it completed to ensure a healthy smile. Doing so could possibly help you avoid a dental emergency. This is important, given that nearly 80% of dental emergencies are preventable.

Limit Your Sugar Intake

Of course, sugar is a tastebud favorite. Overconsumption can have some lasting and unwanted effects, though. Oral bacteria love sugar. When there are leftovers, the microorganisms will flock to the area. Over time, they can develop into plaque and contribute to tooth decay and gum disease.

Here are some of the items you’ll want to limit your consumption of:

• Candy
• Sodas
• Juices
• Pastries
• Alcoholic Beverages

Finding Healthier Alternatives

You don’t have to completely give up sweet treats. Just look for healthier alternatives, like fruits. Delicious oranges, apples, blueberries and countless other options can help to satisfy a sweet craving without the detrimental side effects. That’s because fruits contain natural sugars that cause far less damage to your teeth.

By incorporating these guidelines into your daily regimen for 2021 and visiting your dentist in Belchertown, you can look forward to a year of amazing dental health!

About the Author

Dr. Mark D. Medaugh is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania. As a Pierre Fauchard Scholar, he infuses a wealth of knowledge and passion for excellent dental health into every visit. Dr. Medaugh provides preventive care at Valley Dentists of Belchertown. He can be reached for more information or to schedule a visit through his website.