Year after year, getting a healthier body is often at the top of people’s list. But what about getting a healthier mouth? If you’ve added a dazzling smile to your New Year’s resolutions in East Longmeadow & Northampton, here are 4 ways you can get the beautiful teeth you’ve always wanted.
Visit Your Dentist
The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends visiting your dentist at least twice a year, but about one third of Americans don’t get dental checkups as often as they should. Scheduling a visit with your dentist at the beginning of the year is one of the best things you can do. In addition to getting jump start on improving your dental health, you may also find it easier to get an appointment that fits your schedule. The first few weeks after a holiday tend to be one of the slowest times for dentists, so now is the perfect time to book your checkup!
Stop Using Nicotine
The chemicals in nicotine products and their smoke damage both your teeth and your body. They can slow the flow of blood to your gums and other oral tissues, making them susceptible to infection and putting dental work, like dental implants, at risk of failing. Nicotine users are also at a higher risk of gum disease, oral cancer and tooth loss. If you’ve made the decision to stop smoking but you’re not unsure of what method will work best for you, your primary care physician can help.
Update Your Diet
Once October rolls around, it can be easy to fall into a flurry of cozy foods, sweets and alcoholic beverages. But wine can stain your teeth and weaken your enamel and both sugar and starches encourage tooth decay. Making the choice to consume more tooth-friendly foods can make a big difference in your dental health. Low-fat or nonfat dairy products, almonds and walnuts are all excellent sources of calcium and magnesium, both of which help to strengthen your teeth and bones. If a sweet tooth is your problem, try chewing on xylitol-sweetened gum instead. Xylitol is a sugar-free sweetener that inhibits bacterial growth. Xylitol gum comes in many flavors like chocolate, cupcake, fresh fruit and more, so it can definitely help quell your sweet tooth!
Take Better Care of Your Teeth
According to the ADA, brushing your teeth for 2 minutes twice a day and flossing at least once every day. But statistics show that the average American typically brushes their teeth for a total of 45 to 70 seconds per day and only 30 percent floss daily! Simply taking 5 minutes each day to care for your teeth can make a big difference in your oral health.
No matter what condition your mouth is in, your dentist is happy to help you achieve a healthy smile in East Longmeadow & Northampton. Make 2021 the year you get your dental health back on track; you deserve to have a healthy, confident smile.
About the Practice
With seven dentists on staff, EMA Dental offers a special kind of practice. With four general dentists, an aesthetic dentist and two highly-trained prosthodontists, EMA Dental is able to provide every patient with personalized, comprehensive dental care to help them achieve their healthiest smile. If you’re ready to improve your dental health, visit the website or contact the office at (413) 584-4900 to schedule your visit today.