Good Dental Care is Life-Changing

Good dental care does more than help ensure you have a bright, white smile. A healthy mouth and healthy body go hand in hand. Good oral hygiene and oral health can improve your overall health such as lowering the risk of heart disease and preserving your memory.

So, how do you resolve to take care of your teeth in 2019? Well, we decided to ask an expert! Dr. G. Robin Pruitt, Jr. and the staff at Vestavia Family Dentistry & Facial Aesthetics gave us some helpful tips to pass along to you for 2019.

Tip #1 – Schedule a Dental Appointment

According to the American Dental Association, one third of people living in the U.S. don’t see a dentist yearly. If you haven’t been to a dentist for a while, on January 2nd make an appointment. Most dental offices can work you in fairly quickly. Remember, regular dental appointments allow both hygienists and dentists to monitor the health of your mouth. Dr. Pruitt says that many dental problems, such as chronic gum disease and cavities, don’t hurt in the beginning stages. It’s once they have progressed to a point where treatment is quite extensive that you actually feel them.

Tip #2 – Schedule TWO Cleanings a Year

Screen Shot 2018 11 26 at 7.59.43 AM e1543322051466 Vestavia Family Dentistry & Facial Aesthetics recommends 5 dental resolutions for 2019 — Photo by Pat Byington for Bham Now

While you are scheduling your first dental appointment of the year, which will likely include a dental cleaning, xrays and an examination, schedule that 2nd visit during the year. Besides reducing bad breath, recent studies have shown that cleaning your teeth twice a year reduced heart attacks by 24% when compared to people who skip the dentist and hygienist. Instances of stroke are also reduced. This tip is a life-saver says Dr. Pruitt!

Tip #3 – Brush twice a day for 2 minutes each time

Hopefully you are brushing your teeth at least once a day, but resolve in 2019 to brush twice a day and do it for 2 minutes. In fact, dentists today are very firm on this. According to Dr. Pruitt, the two minutes is a must!

One other helpful tip about brushing, make one of the occasions at night before you go to bed. First, you’ll feel good, and second it prevents bacteria from spreading while you sleep.

Tip #4 – Commit to flossing

Here is an interesting fact. If you just brush your teeth, you are only reaching two-thirds of your tooth surface, no matter how hard you brush. Flossing completes the job. Be mindful, most cavities and gum problems happen in places your toothbrush cannot reach. Same as brushing twice a day, make it a habit this new year to floss. Dr. Pruitt knows this can be a difficult habit to start but it’s a good one for 2019.

Tip #5 – Cut back on the soft drinks and sugar

Now this one is a tough says Dr. Pruitt. Obviously, we are all pretty much addicted to our soft drinks and sweets. Bottomline – disease-causing bacteria in your mouth thrive off the sugar you consume – the more sugar you eat, the more sugar bacteria eat. Plus with the soft drinks, the acid weakens, or decalcifies, your teeth – which is how cavities begin. If your drink is acidic and sugary, your teeth are not only being weakened by the acid from bacteria, but getting a double-dose of acid from the drink itself. In 2019, you don’t need to go completely cold turkey on cokes and that Snickers bar, both you should try to cut back. Added bonus… you’ll probably lose some weight.

Along with sugar, there are other items to avoid like smoking and dipping tobacco. It is all pretty much common sense says Dr. Pruitt.

Resolve to take care of your teeth in 2019!!!

Make a life-changing New Year’s resolution in 2019. Take care of your teeth.

If you have any questions about any of these tips or how to accomplish your resolution, Dr. Pruitt and the staff at Vestavia Family Dentistry & Facial Aesthetics welcome your questions and want to help. You can reach them at 205-823-3223 or visit their website at:

http://www.vestaviafamilydentistry.com