The majority of New Year’s resolutions pertain to getting fit and improving one’s health. While many people are eating more salads and spending more time at the gym, there are significant ways to improve your overall health, all orally related.
• Want to lower your risk for major health problems? Your mouth takes in an enormous amount of bacteria with food particles creating a breeding ground for their reproduction. Oral bacteria has been linked to serious health problems, including heart disease, stroke, diabetes, arthritis, preterm babies and impotency. SOLUTION: Renew your commitment for twice daily brushing and flossing and keep those 6-month exams and cleanings.
• Want to avoid pain and costly tooth repairs? When teeth are not properly aligned, the result can be frequent headaches and migraines, sore jaw joints, facial pain, chipped or worn teeth and night-time clenching or grinding. SOLUTION: In some cases, minor tooth reshaping is all that’s needed. In others, crowns or orthodontic treatment can bring your bite back into proper position.
• Want to lose weight? Digestion begins in the mouth and helps the body break down food so it is processed efficiently. When you chew hurriedly, you feel less sated and complicate the body’s ability to break food down to your advantage. SOLUTION: Take a bite of food and put your fork or spoon down while you chew thoroughly. Resolve to never put food in your mouth before swallowing well-chewed food already in your mouth.
• Want to improve your appearance and boost confidence and self-esteem? Today’s cosmetic dentistry provides a natural look for smile enhancement. Those who have an attractive smile not only have a more attractive facial appearance, they tend to smile more. Having a great smile can make you feel more confident, projecting a positive personality. SOLUTION: Ask for a no-cost consultation to discuss your options for improving your smile. If interested, we can review payment options so you can enjoy a terrific smile while making easy monthly payments.
• Want to sleep better? Sleep loss is a terrible drain on your energy level. It is also harmful to your overall health. Lack of sleep has been linked to being more accident prone, heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, Alzheimers disease, obesity and impotency. SOLUTION: Ask about custom-made oral appliances that are FDA-approved and comfortable to wear at night. These are appropriate for those who are heavy snorers or who have mild to moderate Sleep Apnea.
Before you head to the treadmill, think about the many ways you can improve your health by focusing first on your mouth. Your decisions and commitment can be a tremendous asset to your health! Happy 2015!
