Deciding to improve your overall health is one great way to start off the New Year. We know many resolutions begin with crash diets and extreme fitness programs that won’t be kept up for very long.  But if there were one permanent change you could make, which would both enhance your appearance and improve your health… would you do it?

A change that will last a lifetime can be found in orthodontic care. One of the most noticeable features of the face is the smile. Are you proud to show off your pearly whites or self-conscious of the condition of your smile? Even more important than aesthetic improvements, braces can provide many health benefits. Teeth in correct alignment are easier to clean, which can make teeth more resistant to decay and less susceptible to gum disease or tooth loss. Correct alignment may also prevent tooth and jaw discomfort that can come from uneven wear.

Now before you begin to say braces are just for children or you are afraid they will interfere with your social agenda, you should know about the many new treatments that are available. Invisalign is the most popular tooth straightening solution for adults, allowing you to get the aligned smile you want, on the sly. There’s no need for your dental work to interfere with your social life, professional life, or favorite foods. You are never too old for a beautiful smile. There are many ways you can care for your smile beyond orthodontic care, some of the most important and often overlooked include:

1. Brushing twice a day and flossing at least once every day.

2. Change your toothbrush every 3 – 4 months depending on the brush.

3. Going to annual checkups. Do not wait until there is pain to address an oral issue.

4. Clean your tongue every morning. This helps to remove the buildup of bacteria on your tongue, which is the main reason for bad breath. While using your brush to clean your tongue is helpful, using a tongue scraper is much better.

5. There are a lot of different toothpaste options on the market; arguably the most important thing to consider in picking your toothpaste is the fluoride content. Fluoride helps protect teeth from cavities by actually changing the chemical structure of teeth, making them much more resistant to the caries process and the cavities that process causes.

Schedule your free consult with Dr. Bennett and find out how you can make 2015 the year of the smile.