Keeping your teeth and gums healthy takes time and commitment. Your morning and nighttime routines are necessary if you want to minimize your risk for dental decay, cavities, and gum disease. But twice-yearly exams and cleanings are also essential if you want to avoid more serious oral health issues that can have a lasting impact on your overall health. Now that 2022 has arrived, why not commit to improving your smile? If you’re like many people, you already have a growing list of New Year’s Resolutions, so consider adding these three tips and prepare to enjoy a healthier, more beautiful smile year-round.
Adopt a Healthier Diet
You’ve heard since you were a child how harmful sugar and carbohydrates can be to your overall health. Not only will they expand your waistline and put your heart at risk, but they’re also known for damaging your teeth and gum tissues.
Although a cookie or slice of pie is fine in moderation, you’re better off adopting a healthier diet that consists of foods rich in vitamins, minerals, and nutrients your body needs to function properly. Leafy greens, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy can strengthen tooth enamel and improve gum tissue over time.
Straighten Crooked, Misaligned Teeth
If you’re painfully aware of your crooked smile, you don’t have to settle for traditional orthodontics. Instead, you can choose Invisalign. These clear, plastic aligners subtly shift teeth into proper alignment, allowing you to enjoy a more flexible method of treatment without compromising your appearance day after day.
At Wehrkamp Dentistry, the iTero 3D scanner is used to capture a model of your teeth without the use of cold, messy dental putty. Because of its greater accuracy and comfort, you can expect to see what your smile will look like even before you start treatment with Invisalign!
Whether you’re in school, a working professional, or a busy individual who simply wants to like what they see in the mirror, Invisalign can produce quicker results and help you avoid the shining spotlight of metal brackets and wires.
Don’t Skip Your Dental Appointments
Your dentist is your friend, and you don’t need to fear judgment when seeking professional help. By seeing a dental expert twice a year, you are expressing your commitment to caring for your smile. These checkups and cleanings every six months allow your dentist to carefully examine your teeth and gums for any abnormalities or problem areas that might require further treatment. They also allow a skilled hygienist to thoroughly clean your teeth and reduce your risk for gum disease and cavities.
Keep these simple tips in mind as 2022 unfolds. Over time, your diligence and consistency will pay off as you begin to feel more confident in your smile.
About the Author
Dr. Scott Wehrkamp earned his Doctor of Dental Science from Loyola University Chicago School of Dentistry before entering into private practice with his brother, Jeff Wehrkamp, in 1981. In 2008, he earned accredited status in the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD), and in 2012, he became a Fellow in the International Congress of Oral Implantology. With the new year, you can count on Dr. Scott and Dr. Jeff to share and encourage the importance of preventive care and what you can do to take better care of your smile. Contact us via the website or by calling (605) 582-6522 to learn more.