3 Family Goals to Set in 2018 for a Healthier Smile
Jan. 15 2018
Now that the new year is here you likely fit into one of two categories: you are already working on your new year's resolutions, or you still have yet to decide on what you’re going to focus on this year. Whatever category you’re in, there’s one thing for certain: nothing will make your goals more attainable than having the support of your family. So, to help you make your goals that much more in reach, why not set goals together as a family? To help you ensure that your family stays cavity free all year long, we have created a list of three new year's resolutions you and your family can try together to make 2018 your best year yet.
Avoid Sugar
This may be the hardest goal you will set as a family, but it may also be the most rewarding. You may not realize it, but sugar is in just about everything we eat. Yes, it’s in candy and baked goods, but sugar is also in things like pasta sauce, bbq sauce, and even peanut butter. And although a little sugar isn’t going to hurt you, too much sugar can wreak havoc on your blood sugar, waistline, and, you guessed it, even your teeth. Set a goal as a family to try to cut down on your sugar intake this year.
Brush More Often
The American Dental Association recommends that people brush their teeth at least twice a day which most people translate into just twice a day— ignoring the “at least” portion of the recommendation. As a family, try to set a goal to brush more than twice a day. For instance, try encouraging your kids to brush their teeth when they get home from school each day— the extra tooth brushing session will help them cut down on cavities.
Switch Out Your Toothbrushes Regularly
The American Dental Association also recommends that patients switch out their toothbrush every three to four months. If, however, your family isn’t into a habit of switching out their toothbrushes on a regular basis, you may be contributing to cavities and bacteria. Old toothbrushes not only have worn down bristles that don’t clean teeth as well but they also harbor germs and bacteria. Make an alert on your phone to change out your family’s toothbrushes every three months.
By incorporating these three tips into your dental routine, you and your family can have a healthier smile all year long. To learn more about your family’s dental health, schedule an appointment with Dr. Dean Glasser at our Melville office today!
Dr. Dean Glasser is a respected Cosmetic and General Dentist, serving Melville, NY and the greater Long Island area. A Professor at Columbia University Dental School, Dr. Glasser is recognized as a Diplomate of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists and as a Fellow of the following organizations: the International Congress of Oral Implantologists, the Academy of General Dentistry, the American Association of Hospital Dentistry and the Misch Implant Institute.
