Things Your Dentist Wants You to Remember in 2016

Are you busy making your New Year’s resolutions for 2016? If so, don’t forget to put “care for your smile” on your list. While many people are eager to hit the gym or eat better in January, few remember just how important proper preventive care is when it comes to smiles. Luckily preventive care is a lot simpler than you might think. Yes, it should include daily brushing and flossing, which you may already be doing. But you should also be scheduling dental checkups every six months, to help truly keep your smile looking and feeling its best this year!

Preventive Care Starts At-Home

In addition to twice daily brushing and daily flossing, drinking lots of water can also help you maintain a healthy smile. Not only does water keep your whole body hydrated and healthy, it is essential in helping you produce saliva, which is a natural plaque fighter.

Eating a well-balanced diet is also key, as it helps keep your teeth strong. And, avoiding too much sugar is just as important, since bacteria feed on sugars, and too many sweets can lead to dental decay, like cavities.

See Your Dentist Twice This Year

But at-home hygiene isn’t the only important way to care for your smile. You also need to schedule regular dental checkups. These present your dentist with an opportunity to both clean your teeth, thoroughly, and to check for any burgeoning issues that may require restorative treatment, such as a cavity.

Without regular checkups you are far more likely to require extensive restorative treatment for dental problems, since they will only worsen with time.