While dental care isn’t often at the top of our resolutions for the New Year, it’s not too late to add having the healthy and happy smile you’ve always dreamed of to the list. Over time, it’s easy to neglect your teeth, but your smile is one of the first things people notice about you. Now is the perfect time to maintain your dental health and treat any dental or gum issues you may have.

Many people don’t realize the importance of good dental hygiene. By not brushing and flossing regularly, your teeth can become damaged and this can lead to pain, cavities, and even the loss of irreplaceable teeth. Tongue scraping should also be part of your routine since it harbors bacteria and germs that can cause disease and bad breath.  

This may be the year you vow to have your crooked teeth fixed and the Bedford Dental Group offers a variety of ways to achieve a straight, perfect smile. Whether you want traditional braces or the latest Invisalign System of virtually invisible aligners, we provide the best in caring, dedicated service.

Please take a minute to add better dental health to your list of resolutions. We can make your teeth healthy, your smile white and bright, and help you learn how to keep them that way for years to come!

Having proper oral hygiene is the first step (if not the most important) in having healthy teeth and gums. You should brush your teeth twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste or whatever is recommended by your dentist. It is important to replace your toothbrush every three to four months, or whenever you notice that the bristles are frayed. This is because an older, worn toothbrush won’t clean your teeth as well as a newer one.

Flossing is extremely important and should be done at least once a day. This is because layers of plaque and bacteria still remain on your teeth, especially in harder to reach areas, even after you brush. Flossing will remove the remaining plaque and food and reduce your risk of gum disease.

Plaque is bacteria that forms on the teeth and gums in the form of a sticky film. After you eat, your tooth enamel is attacked by the acid that plaque releases, which may lead to tooth decay. You should limit the amount you snack in between meals because these snacks will cause the plaque bacteria to release continuous acids onto your enamel, constantly wearing it down throughout the day.

The plaque and bacteria can also irritate your gums, not just your teeth. If your gums are not properly cleaned and treated, the bone around your teeth can be severely damaged and destroyed. This can possibly cause you to have your teeth removed. Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults.

Eating a well balanced diet is a good way to prevent tooth decay and gum disease. Limit the amount of the snacks in between your meals to avoid unnecessary build up and plaque. If you must snack, choose items such as fresh, raw veggies, plain yogurt, fruit, or cheese.

Tooth decay for toddlers and young children is possible as soon as their first tooth grows in. This can also be referred to as Baby Bottle Tooth Decay. In some cases, infants and toddlers have had very severe decay which has required dental extractions or restorations. Fortunately, childhood tooth decay is completely preventable.

When your child’s first tooth appears, you should generally schedule a dentist appointment within 6 months to a year. Dental education is very important, no matter how young your child is. If they have teeth, proper oral, dental, and gum health is extremely necessary. This will prevent diseases and infections from occurring. The initial appointment is not only for your child, but it is very necessary for the parent to understand the importance of childhood dental health, too.

Nutrition, diet, and feeding all play a role in the health of your child’s teeth. Unlimited consumption of sugary liquids, beverages, or foods containing fermentable carbohydrates can contribute to early childhood tooth decay after the appearance of the first tooth. Your child’s intake of these kinds of foods need to be limited and monitored at all times.

Bottle feeding and breast feeding need to be restricted at certain times of the day, especially at night before bed. Their bottle feeding should be finished before they are in bed. The use of a cup after their first birthday is also encouraged by the American Dental Association. Training cups should be limited and not have frequent use.

One of the most important preventive measures for baby bottle tooth decay is proper oral hygiene at home. This includes cleaning the infant’s teeth after he or she has consumed foods, liquids, or medications. Your dentist will also give you advice on how to check your child’s teeth regularly at home to monitor their condition.

For more information on Early Childhood Tooth Decay, go to www.ada.org.