So as I was walking into my gym like I usually do several evenings a week, I was shocked by how many people that were there. Tons of people running, walking, using the stairmaster, cycling, bench pressing-where did all these people come from?? And then it hit me; “ah, January-new year resolution time”. These people that normally haven’t been working out are here trying to change their old ways and become healthier. They are trying to do something to improve their well being and their lives. But it got me thinking: what could our patients new years resolutions be to improve their oral health? How about flossing-you know the bacteria between your teeth isn’t going to get up and leave and brushing isn’t going to cut it. Yeah, yeah, I know flossing isn’t glamorous or exciting but it does improve your health-just google “periodontitis” and you will see all the serious physical issues associated with poor oral health. Ok, another one-what about brushing your teeth before bed? Did you know that brushing your teeth before bed is the MOST important time to brush. The reason is that your salivary glands which produce saliva full of calcium ions, phosphate ions, and other great mineral salts that help inactivate or slow cavities, decreases at night. This means that all the BBQ, pizza, salad dressing, or dessert that you ate hours ago is still on your teeth and will remain there all night with less saliva protecting them-a great environment for cavities to run rampant! Last dental resolution-going to the dentist twice a year to get your bi-annual cleanings and check up. Dr. Cohen was right in his last blog-dentistry can be expensive if you wait. It is so much cheaper and less time consuming to get work done when the cavity is small then later down the road, come in 2 years later for a cleaning and an exam to find out that you need a root canal and a crown.  Talk about a huge price increase! And it could have all been prevented by just seeing one of our amazing hygienists for a cleaning every 6 months.
Well, whatever your New Year’s resolution was, I hope you can follow through and improve your health and life. We at Elizabeth Russ Family Dental wish all our patients a wonderful, happy and healthy 2013!

Dr. Russ