Oral Hygiene New Year's Resolutions

For a healthy smile in 2009, adopt these six simple habits:

1. Brush at least twice per day. Brushing removes plaque (a sticky mixture of bacteria, food, and debris) from your teeth, which helps prevent tooth decay and periodontal (gum) disease.

2. Schedule regular dental visits. You should go at least twice a year for cleanings, oral cancer screenings, and gum disease prevention.

3. Floss daily. Flossing removes harmful plaque from hard-to-reach places between teeth.

4. Toss old toothbrushes. Dentists recommend replacing toothbrushes as soon as bristles show signs of wear, about every two to three months.

5. Eat a balanced diet. Choose foods rich in vitamins C (citrus fruits, juices, and leafy vegetables), B12 (dairy, meat) and folic acid (spinach, broccoli) to help strengthen gums and supporting soft tissue, and calcium to develop and maintain strong teeth and bones. Avoid sticky sugars like hard candies and soft drinks, which attack tooth enamel, causing decay and cavities.

6. Quit tobacco. Smoking leaves brown stains and sticky tar deposits on teeth, contributes to bad breath, is the leading cause of oral cancer, and is a major risk factor in gum disease. Kicking the habit greatly reduces the risk of developing oral cancer. Ten years after quitting tobacco, an ex-smoker’s risk is similar to that of a non-smoker. So start quitting today.