Happy New Year from Russo Dentistry!

A new year brings us a fresh start, making it the perfect time to recommit to our health. The last couple of years have been challenging and taking care of our bodies hasn’t always been the top priority. 2022 is the right time to start making positive changes, starting with better oral health. Here are our favorite oral health resolutions for the new year!

• Schedule a visit: Regular dental checkups are key to a healthy mouth. Your biannual cleanings give us more than an opportunity to polish your teeth; they also let us monitor any issues you may have and stop diseases in their tracks. Even people who are vigilant about coming in every six months have had a hard time maintaining their regular checkups over the last two years. If you’re late for your cleaning, there’s no better time than right now to make an appointment. In the event that your dentist can’t see you as soon as you’d like, see if they have a cancellation list you can join.
• Supercharge your at-home routine: There’s no easier way to keep your teeth and gums healthy than by brushing and flossing twice a day. Regular brushing and flossing prevent all kinds of oral health problems, including tooth decay and gum disease. If you’re struggling to brush and floss twice a day or every day, that’s the best possible place to start. For those who already brush and floss as much as they should but would like to do more, consider switching to an electric toothbrush and adding an antiseptic rinse or a water flosser into your routine.
• Quit smoking: Using tobacco products are bad for your whole body, including your teeth and gums. In addition to staining your teeth, tobacco can cause dry mouth, gum disease, and tooth loss. The health benefits of quitting tobacco – whether you smoke or chew it – are limitless.
• Make healthier food choices: Just like quitting tobacco, committing to a healthier diet is good for every part of your body. What you may not know is that there are specific oral health benefits to eating healthy food. Avoiding acidic or sugary foods will prevent cavities, keep your enamel from eroding, and stop tooth sensitivity from developing. Snacking on crunchy fruits and vegetables can help keep your teeth clean between meals. Antioxidant-rich foods fight the inflammation that may cause gum disease. And the list goes on!

If you’re interested in more oral health tips, Russo Dentistry can help! Since we’re a modern dental practice, we are constantly learning about new dental techniques and applying them to the work we do. Dr. Russo and his team take care to learn about your specific needs so that we can tailor our advice to you. We want to be your partner in good oral health.

Get the new year started on the right foot with a visit to Russo Dentistry. We can’t wait to help you achieve your healthiest smile yet!