5 Healthy Resolutions to Kickstart 2020

 

Pleasant Plains Dental in Indian Trail, NC, is thrilled to welcome new patients and continue to serve our current patients in 2020! This is the time of the year when people commit to make changes in their lives for the better. Today, we encourage all our patients to consider the following resolutions to improve their oral health:

1. Eliminate Soda

One of the best dietary changes patients can make for their oral health is to eliminate soda, or to drink it sparingly. This fizzy beverage is associated with cardiovascular and kidney problems, but it also wreaks havoc on your teeth because it contains sugar and acid. Sugar increases your risk of tooth decay because it feeds the bad bacteria in your mouth, which create enamel-destroying acids. The carbonation in both sugary soda and sugar-free soda also erodes tooth enamel. Whenever possible, drink water!

2. Reduce Your Sugar Intake

Sugar encourages tooth decay, and many sugary treats and highly processed foods with added sugar are high in calories and low in valuable nutrients. By reducing your intake of treats, juice, white bread, processed snacks, potato chips, cakes, cookies, pastries, etc., you can promote better oral health while also reducing the number of calories you take in. Keep in mind that you don’t have to eliminate sugar. Instead, learn to moderate your consumption of sugar and choose nutrient-dense foods over empty calories.

3. Eat More Fruits & Veggies

Fruits and veggies contain essential nutrients that will help keep your teeth and gums strong. Incorporate more whole fruits and vegetables throughout your meals and snacks. Instead of munching on a bag of potato chips or candy bar, dip various veggies in hummus or assemble a fruit parfait with a low-sugar yogurt.

4. Get Outside More

Vitamin D reduces your risk of tooth decay and gum disease. About 10-15 minutes of unprotected midday sunlight exposure several times a week allows your body to make sufficient vitamin D. But after this amount of time, it’s best to wear sunscreen and a hat to reduce your risk of skin cancer. Find an outdoor activity you enjoy, always wear sunglasses to protect your eyes, and remember to drink plenty of water.

5. Prioritize Your Preventive Healthcare

Preventive medical and dental appointments are beneficial to your health. These routine appointments allow your healthcare providers to detect issues early as well as provide you with the care you need to prevent serious problems in the future. We want to see you at least every six months for a routine checkup and cleaning. So contact us today to schedule your routine appointment at Pleasant Plains Dental in Indian Trail, NC.

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