Put Dental Care at the Top of your New Year’s Resolution List

Many of us have already adopted a New Year’s resolution. Placing a priority on your oral health should be near the top of everyone’s list.

Medical research has found that infections or bacteria in the mouth are linked to overall health. Periodontal (gum) disease, an infection of the tissues that support the teeth, is closely associated with the development of strokes, heart disease, pre-term births and pneumonia.

According to the American Dental Hygienists’ Association, nearly 75 percent of American adults suffer from various forms of gum disease and don’t know it.

Minimize your risk by following good oral hygiene steps and visiting your dentist twice a year for exams and cleanings. Brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss at least once daily. Limit your intake of sweets, especially sugared, carbonated beverages. Eat more fruits and vegetables. Drink more water. Individuals with dentures should brush and rinse their dentures daily and clean with denture cleanser. Taking care of your oral health will help your overall health throughout the New Year and beyond.

- Dr. Arwinder Judge, vice president of clinical support at Aspen Dental Management, Inc.,