New Year’s resolutions for healthy teeth

January is the time for New Year’s resolutions and we have a few simple suggestions on how to have better dental health in 2020

 The New Year is the ideal time to start good new habits as well as making sure you keep up the old ones. Below we’ve come up with a few New Year’s resolutions for you to make sure that you and your family maintain good oral health throughout 2020 and beyond.

Keep cleaning

Regular brushing and flossing are the basis for having strong, clean teeth. You may already have a good routine for both, but it’s worthwhile making sure you keep them up consistently. One way is to brush and floss at the same time every day if possible so it becomes a habit you won’t forget.

It’s also worth getting your children into similar habits from an early age. The more of a habit it is, the more likely they are to keep it up throughout their childhood and beyond.

Get check-ups

It is worthwhile visiting your dentist for check-ups at least once a year, though this will depend on various factors, including your age and your general dental health. Check-ups are so important as dentists can see if any problems are developing and make sure they are fixed before they get worse and need more serious intervention.

As it is January, why not make an appointment with your dentist now? Pick up the phone right away or book online immediately for yourself and your family. That way, it is done and you will have taken an important step towards having good oral health for the rest of the year.

You will find a list of our practices with contact details here.

Visit your hygienist

While brushing and flossing regularly are crucial, a dental hygienist will be able to give your mouth a deeper, more effective clean. We recommend that you see a hygienist once every six months so as to make sure you have healthy teeth and gums.

A hygienist will remove any build-up of plaque or tartar which brushing and flossing can’t always achieve. He or she will also polish your teeth, leaving your mouth feeling clean and refreshed.

Hygienists will also be able to advise you on how to improve your brushing and flossing, as well as spotting any potential problems which may need more serious action.

Claim your dental PRSI entitlements

If you pay PRSI – as some two and a half million people in this country do – you may be entitled to free or discounted dental care under the Government’s Treatment Benefit Scheme. It is worth noting that each year hundreds of thousands of taxpayers do not claim this as they are unaware that they may be eligible.

To find out if you are eligible and to claim your entitlements, visit our PRSI Entitlements page. Again, it is worth doing now so that it is taken care of for 2020. Too many people put it off and then forget to claim their entitlements later in the calendar year.

Look after your children’s teeth

The best way to get children to brush and floss regularly is to make both a part of their daily routine, so that it becomes a habit. It is also worthwhile brushing and flossing at the same time as your children, particularly with younger ones, so it becomes a regular thing you do together.

You should also make appointments for your children to see a dentist on a regular basis, so their development can be tracked. This will allow their dentist to spot problems early and to make recommendations regarding fillings, orthodontics and other necessary dental work.

Eat better, drink better

Obviously, diet plays a huge part in how healthy your teeth are. With the New Year, make sure to cut down on sugary food and drinks. Try to replace sweet snacks with healthier ones and juices with water.

Again, if you and your children do this together, it makes it easier for all concerned. Focus on cheese and yogurt and on vegetables and fruit such as celery, leafy greens, carrots and apples.

Lastly, we here at Dental Care Ireland would like to wish all our patients and their families a happy, healthy 2020.

Happy New Year!

For more information on the services offered by Dental Care Ireland practices around the country and to find the practice nearest you, go here: https://www.dentalcareireland.ie/