SPECIALTIES

Did you make resolutions for the new year? If so, you will want to make room for one more of great importance: Pay more attention to your oral health. Now some of you may think you’re doing a good job, and you just may be, but here are a few things to think about to get your new year off to a good start. Replace your toothbrush: Most people seem to think the one they get at their visit to Huszti Dental Care is good until the next time they visit us—six months later. Not a good idea. Worn toothbrushes are less effective at removing plaque and bacteria, which increases risks of decay and gum disease. Experts say you should change your toothbrush—or the head of your electric toothbrush—every three to four months. Children may need to do it more often because they can be really strong brushers. Also, always replace your toothbrush after you are sick, as the brushes can reintroduce germs. Time your brushing: All the experts say you should strive for two times a day for two minutes each time. Next time you brush, use a timer and brush for the full two minutes. You may think you’re probably close, but chances are you are not. Consciously brushing for two minutes each time lets you remember the back teeth or the other corners of your mouth you may forget about regularly. Keep dental floss at hand: We all should be flossing more, but you often don’t because it always seems to be one more chore keeping you from your snuggly warm bed. Keep a package of dental floss in your car, or your desk at work, even the kitchen, so it’s always nearby when you need it. Make that dental appointment—and keep it!: It’s a quick call. Heck, at Huszti Dental Care, it’s just filling in an online form . Just give us your contact information and we’ll reach out to do the rest. Think about your teeth when you eat: Food can stain your teeth and it can strain your teeth, so cut down on coffee and dark sodas, red wines and other stainers. (You could also simply commit to using a straw when drinking these items. But also remember that teeth need a calcium-rich diet including dairy, broccoli, almonds and fruits and veggies to remain strong. Just choose one or two of these to start doing now if all of them together seem overwhelming. Incorporate the others later, you’ll be glad you did. And next year, you will have something more fun to make a resolution about.

It's the holiday season. So for many that means parties, lots of food and maybe a celebratory drink or two. There are so many studies about alcohol that make the news that it can be hard to keep up. A study that says a glass of red wine a day may be good for your heart health is followed closely by another study that says daily consumption of alcohol is dangerous. But what researchers don't take into account in many of these studies is the effect alcohol has on oral health. Not to be a downer, but alcohol abuse can lead to higher plaque levels, and increased risk of tooth loss or decay, mouth sores and periodontal disease. There is also an increased risk of oral cancer. The reason behind most of these risks is simple: sugar. Alcohol may not taste sweet, but there are sugars in it and bacteria in your mouth feed on those sugars and grow. Slowly nursing a drink over a long period of time keeps sugar levels elevated and that helps bacteria grow. A second reason is that alcohol dries out the mouth. That means saliva is reduced and since saliva rinses away bad bacteria in the mouth, the risk of problems like tooth decay and gum disease are increased. More immediate is that without saliva to wash away that bacteria, you can develop bad breath, which is no fun for you or those around you. Now most people won't have to worry about this, but it is possible that alcohol can stain your teeth, especially if you are a fan of red wine. After a glass of two you can often see a slight discoloration that goes away with brushing. But it's just a good thing to know, especially if you have been told you have weak enamel. Solutions? They are so easy it's almost not worth writing about. Cut down on sugar by drinking dry wines and limiting fruity alcoholic drinks. Also, drinking water after each alcoholic beverage will rinse some of the sugars down. (It's also a good idea to keep yourself sober.) Snacking is also a good idea to get the saliva flowing—just stay away from the sweets! You can also chew some sugar-free gum in between drinks. And, of course, maintaining your oral hygiene regimen of brushing and flossing is a must. So if you plan on making alcohol a part of your holiday celebrations remember: Your teeth aren't immune to the effects of alcohol. Be responsible, so you won't regret it later.