{"id":181,"date":"2020-12-21T15:13:00","date_gmt":"2020-12-21T15:13:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.belchertown-dentist.com\/blog\/?p=181"},"modified":"2021-01-21T15:17:10","modified_gmt":"2021-01-21T15:17:10","slug":"lasting-new-years-resolutions","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.belchertown-dentist.com\/blog\/lasting-new-years-resolutions\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Ramp Up Your Dental Health in the New Year!"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"man<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

With the next 12 months on the horizon, you\u2019re ready to make some positive and lasting changes. This includes improving your dental health. All you need is the right strategy to achieve your goals. As you continue reading, learn some effective ways to hit your New Year\u2019s resolutions for strong and healthy teeth and gums!<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Schedule a Dental Visit Now<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019ve been saying to yourself, \u201cI really need to schedule a dental visit,\u201d then now is the perfect time to take action. By visiting a family dentist in Belchertown, you can have your teeth professionally cleaned to get rid of troublesome bacteria, plaque and tartar. Additionally, you\u2019ll have the peace-of-mind of knowing the condition of your dental health. If there are any potential problems spotted, you can schedule a follow-up visit to ensure they\u2019re addressed before they become worse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Make Toothbrushing and Flossing a Priority<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends you brush and floss at least two times a day to control bacteria accumulation and prevent plaque development. If you\u2019ve been falling a little short in this department, there is no time like the present to buckle down. The key is to make improvements based on where you currently are. For example, if you struggle with brushing two times a day, that\u2019s your first challenge to overcome. Then, you can work on consistently flossing at least once a day. The idea is to continuously make improvements, which will translate into better dental health down the road.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Get the Restorative Work You\u2019ve Been Needing<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Have you been told that you need a tooth pulled, or that a cavity is present? If you have any restorative work lingering, take the necessary steps to have it completed to ensure a healthy smile. Doing so could possibly help you avoid a dental emergency. This is important, given that nearly 80% of dental emergencies are preventable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Limit Your Sugar Intake<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Of course, sugar is a tastebud favorite. Overconsumption can have some lasting and unwanted effects, though. Oral bacteria love sugar. When there are leftovers, the microorganisms will flock to the area. Over time, they can develop into plaque and contribute to tooth decay and gum disease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are some of the items you\u2019ll want to limit your consumption of:<\/p>\n\n\n\n