{"id":389,"date":"2019-02-12T16:26:56","date_gmt":"2019-02-12T16:26:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.washingtondentalnj.com\/blog\/?p=389"},"modified":"2019-02-12T16:26:56","modified_gmt":"2019-02-12T16:26:56","slug":"new-year-new-new-years-resolutions-healthy-smile","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.washingtondentalnj.com\/blog\/2019\/02\/12\/new-year-new-new-years-resolutions-healthy-smile\/","title":{"rendered":"New year, New you: New Year\u2019s Resolutions for a Healthy Smile"},"content":{"rendered":"\"Woman<\/a>\n\nBy Dr. Mariliza Lacap,<\/strong>\n\nDentist and CEO of Smile More Dentistry and Washington Dental Associates.<\/strong>\n\nAmazon best selling author, Secrets to Total Body Health<\/strong>\n\nWith the new year you may have already started your New Year\u2019s resolutions. Why not make one of your New Year\u2019s resolutions be improving your dental health?\n\n\n

Eat Plenty of Fruits and Vegetables<\/h2>\nEating well is important for your dental health. Poor nutrition can affect the entire immune system, increasing susceptibility to many common oral disorders, including gum (periodontal) disease. In addition, crisp fruits and raw vegetables like apples, carrots and celery help clean plaque from teeth and freshen breath.\n

Quit Smoking or Using Other Tobacco Products<\/h2>\nUsing tobacco can harm your mouth in a number of ways, increasing your risk for tooth discoloration, cavities, gum recession, gum disease and throat, lung and oral cancer. People who smoke and use of smokeless tobacco are twice as likely to lose their teeth as non-smokers. The good news is that the risk of tooth loss decreases after you quit smoking or using smokeless tobacco.\n

Brush at Least Twice a Day and Floss at Least Once a Day<\/h2>\nWithout proper brushing and flossing, you may develop bleeding gums, which may worsen to severely swollen, red, bleeding gums (gingivitis) and, eventually, gum disease. Because diseases of the mouth can affect the rest of your body, it is especially important to maintain good oral health.\n

See Your Dentist for Regular Checkups<\/h2>\nThe American Dental Association recommends that you see a dentist at least twice a year. You can help prevent any dental health problems before they cause discomfort or require more comprehensive or expensive treatment. Let 2019 be the year that you\u2019re proud to share your smile with friends, family and more! If you don\u2019t have a dental home, give our office a call at 201-345-3514 (Bergenfield) or 845-367-7782 (Tappan). Schedule an appointment for your routine cleaning or ask us about other services that may benefit and improve your dental health.\n