Dental Experts Offer New Year's Resolutions
The start of a new year is the perfect time to commit to better habits.
Experts from every specialty at the Rutgers School of Dental Medicine share an essential resolution for maintaining a healthy mouth. From preventing cavities to protecting your natural teeth, here is their advice to keep your smile strong all year long.
- Make Oral Cancer Screenings a Priority
Regular oral cancer screenings can be lifesaving. During your dentist’s visits, make sure you ask for an oral cancer screening at least once a year. If you use tobacco products, drink alcohol excessively, or have a condition that weakens your immune system, you should have your oral cancer screenings more often. – Rabie Shanti, director of maxillofacial oncology and associate professor of oral and maxillofacial surgery
- Wear Elastic Bands with Braces
Commit to consistent elastic wear for your braces because small bands make big results. – Padma Mukherjee, professor of orthodontics
- Prevent Cavities Before They Start
Cavities are much easier to prevent than they are to treat. Healthy habits such as brushing twice daily with fluoridated toothpaste, flossing, and limiting sugary snacks and drinks can prevent tooth decay. Adults should serve as role models while encouraging children to establish these healthy habits early in their lives. – Mary Beth Giacona, associate professor of pediatric dentistry
- Consume Sugar in One-Go Rather Than Intervals
Every sip of a sugary drink restarts the acid attack on your teeth. If you choose to have a soda, drink it all in one sitting rather than sipping all day. Your enamel will thank you. – Steven Toth, associate professor of diagnostic sciences
- Before a Tooth Extraction, Make Sure to See an Endodontist
Save your natural teeth whenever you can. An implant can be an excellent replacement for a missing tooth, but it is no substitute for a maintainable natural tooth, so find out if your tooth can be saved with root canal treatment before you take it out by visiting an endodontist. You can find a specialist near you at www.findmyendodontist.com. – Carla Falcon, associate professor of endodontics
- Keep an Eye on Gum Health
Gum disease may be linked to other diseases such as heart disease and diabetes, and researchers suspect that inflammation may be the basis behind this relationship. Brush, floss, and get an annual comprehensive periodontal evaluation. – Ioanna Tsolaki, director of postgraduate periodontics and assistant professor
- Have a Personalized Oral Health Plan
Protect your investments in oral health by scheduling regular visits and consulting with your dentist to create a personalized oral health plan, which may include nutritional counseling, oral hygiene instruction, and fluoride treatment. A personalized fluoride regimen is essential at all stages of life to fight cavities. – Donald Lapine, director of operative dentistry and assistant professor of restorative dentistry
- Remember: Oral Health Equals Overall Health
Researchers have made a number of links with microbiome dysfunction, poor oral health, and effects in other conditions, ranging from inflammatory diseases, effects on pregnancy, gut health and nutrition, brain health, and cardiovascular health, to name a few. Taking care of your teeth starting in childhood will help maintain good overall health well into adulthood. The mouth is literally and figuratively the entry point to the body. Good oral health is indicative of good overall health. – Carla Cugini, assistant professor of oral biology
