Did you neglect your dental care last year? Did you skip brushing and flossing sessions and not visit your Lodi or Elk Grove dentist? Did you overindulge in holiday goodies?
The holidays are over, and a new year is here, but our smiles sometimes pay the price. We overindulge in sweets and sugary beverages, hoping for the best.
We urge you to set resolutions for your smile this year and break clean from bad habits from the past.
This blog explores
- Resolutions for Your Smile
- Why Healthy Habits Matter
- When to See Your Dentist
Resolutions for Your Smile
We aim to help our patients enjoy comfortable and healthy smiles today, and in the future, so we’ve created a few potential resolutions to keep your oral health and smile aesthetics on track in 2025.
#1 Your Toothbrush Is Your Smile’s Best Friend
When it comes to your toothbrush, we have a lot to say.
First, follow the guidelines recommended by the American Dental Association (ADA):
- Change your toothbrush every three to four months
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush carrying the ADA seal of approval.
- Brush your teeth at least twice daily
When brushing your teeth, spend time on all tooth surfaces and brush the gums.
A clean mouth lowers your risks for preventable oral health conditions.
#2 Dental Floss Is a Fantastic Helper
Floss is a companion to toothbrushing. Always use a fresh section when cleaning between your teeth to avoid moving bacteria and plaque around.
Use dental floss approved by the ADA. Never tug or force the string when an area is tight, or teeth overlap.
#3 Seeing Your Dentist Is Crucial
Seeing your dentist is vital to prevent annoying and even serious oral health conditions. Your dentist can diagnose problems early before they threaten your teeth, gums, and well-being.
You should visit your dentist every six months for dental checkups and teeth cleanings in Elk Grove or Lodi.
#4 Use Your Teeth for Eating and Smiling Only
Never chew on paperclips or pens with your teeth, restorations, or prosthetics. While we understand this nervous or bored habit, it can have significant long-term consequences.
Also, never use your teeth to rip open bags or carry groceries in from the car trunk.
These are dental emergencies just waiting to happen!
#5 Tobacco User? Consider Quitting
Smoking in all forms is bad for your oral and physical health. It also stains your teeth; we want you to be safe, healthy, and self-confident.
If you’re having trouble quitting, talk to your doctor about smoking cessation medications, treatments, or other therapies.
#6 Schedule a Cosmetic Dentistry Consultation
Did you develop new tooth stains over the holidays? Do you have a missing or damaged tooth? The team at Oak Tree Dentistry wants to help with cosmetic dentistry in Lodi or Elk Grove.
We offer a wide range of treatments and services at various price points, including:
- Dental veneers
- Dental implants
- Dental bonding
- Teeth whitening
- Tooth-colored restorations
- Invisible braces
Your consultation lets you know how cosmetic dentistry can help you love your smile again.
#7 Stop Self-Treating
Sometimes, we ignore a slight swelling on the gum and periodic tooth sensitivity. We treat these problems with over-the-counter pain relievers or drugstore numbing gel and hope it’s enough. It’s not.
Pain and swelling are signs you need to schedule an appointment with your dentist.
Why Healthy Dental Habits Matter
Poor oral hygiene and lack of dental care lay the groundwork for oral health consequences.
Tooth Decay
Regular teeth cleanings, coupled with brushing and flossing, reduce your risks for cavities. Cavities are not always visible and can start between teeth.
- Only your dentist can spot an emerging cavity.
- Only your hygienist can remove the stubborn tartar that causes the decay.
Severe tooth decay may mean tooth extraction or a crown instead of a tooth-colored filling.
Gum Disease
Gum disease is a severe oral health condition that can cost you your teeth and so much more. It starts as gingivitis, which is curable, but without a diagnosis, gingivitis can advance to periodontitis.
Periodontal disease is not curable, but treatment is essential to avoid severe complications, such as:
- Autoimmune issues
- Heart health issues
- Lung health issues
- Pregnancy complications
Studies now link untreated gum disease to Alzheimer’s.
Signs of gum disease include recurring bad breath, bleeding gums, loose teeth, and gum recession. Early in the disease, symptoms may be so minor that you don’t notice them, so regular checkups are vital.
Oral Infections
Untreated tooth decay, injuries, poor oral hygiene, and lack of dental care are the perfect storm for a sudden dental emergency.
Tooth root infections can be sudden and excruciating. The swelling and discomfort call for an emergency dental visit in Lodi or Elk Grove.
We treat root canal infections with root canal therapy. This is not a scary undertaking but a way to relieve pain and other symptoms. We also crown your tooth to restore function.
When to See Your Dentist
Visit your dentist twice yearly for checkups and teeth cleanings. If you notice oral changes, call our dental office for guidance.
To book your first visit this year, call our team at (916) 714-6644 to get started. If you’re new to the area, ask about our new patient special, available at the time of this writing.
We look forward to helping you reclaim your dental health and smile beauty in 2025.