The most common New Year’s Resolutions are often related to improved health or appearance. The good news is you can tackle both resolutions at the same time by concentrating on just one area—your mouth!
That’s right! Our smile is one of the first things others notice about us. A new and improved smile not only helps us make a great first impression, it can also significantly improve our self-esteem. In addition, a healthy smile (teeth and gums) means a healthier you.
Your oral health is closely related to your overall health.
In fact, a quick swab of your saliva can tell a great deal about your health including early signs of systematic diseases such as diabetes. In addition, a healthy mouth means the ability to combat dangerous bacteria and viruses that can invade and wreak havoc on your whole body.
Ready for a new you? Here are a few places to start:
Cleaner teeth: Saliva does a great job of combatting oral bacteria, but it needs your help. Brushing properly, at least two times, a day and visiting the dentist twice a year, are simple habits with tremendous benefits.
Whiter teeth: Teeth stain over time. While plenty of over-the-counter options are available, a trip to the dentist for a tooth whitening procedure can provide more dramatic, longer-lasting effects without damaging enamel.
Straighter teeth: Straight teeth affect more than just your appearance. Crooked or crowded teeth can make cleaning more difficult and leave you prone to plaque build-up, cavities, and other damaging effects. As time moves on, crowded teeth are likely to force other teeth out of alignment, making the problem even worse.
Irritated gums, sensitive gums, receding gums: These symptoms may simply be caused by aggressive brushing or signs of more significant issues such as an infection or early gum disease. If your gums remain irritated, are swollen or bleed, for more than a few days, contact your dentist. Early treatment will save you plenty, including discomfort, long-term damage such as gum disease, and other health issues.
Cavities, pain: Do not neglect pain or ignore a brewing cavity. The problem will only get worse and could lead to tooth loss, both loss, effect other teeth and even cause an infection.
Cracked, chipped, uneven, broken teeth: Like many of the other symptoms noted above, don’t neglect a damaged tooth. A minor chip or uneven biting surface is often easily remedied with a quick filing at your dentist. Cracked and broken teeth may require more extensive repair, but ignoring the damage will certainly lead to more significant problems.
Missing teeth:
A missing tooth affects more than your appearance. Over time, other teeth will shift into the open space. This can affect your bite, your jawline and more. In addition, a missing tooth leaves both gums and roots exposed to bacteria and damage. Finally, bone loss can occur. So even if you lost a tooth in the very back and assume it won’t be noticed, consider the long-term ramifications.
Start 2018 off right! Improve your smile and your health today. Contact Dr. Sedki for an appointment or to discuss your oral concerns.
Sedki Dentistry, Commerce MI is a complete family dental clinic that offers services for all dental health concerns. Dr. Sedki and his experienced staff are professional and committed to providing uncompromising care to their patients. Maintaining long term dental health and a beautiful smile is their goal. Call Sedki Dentistry today and get started on a healthy, beautiful smile!