December 2000
CONTACT:Fred Peterson[email protected]312-440-2806
Make a New Year's Resolution for a Healthy Smile
CHICAGO -- Don't give your teeth the brush-off in 2001. Start the New Year off by treating yourself to a resolution that will help keep those choppers chopping and looking good, too. Try these 10 tips from the American Dental Association (ADA) to help you maintain a healthy mouth and smile:
1. Remember to brush your teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and clean between your teeth daily with floss or an interdental cleaner. This is key to good oral health and takes just a few minutes a day.
2. Choose oral care products that carry the American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance -- a symbol that the product has been evaluated for safety and effectiveness.
3. Eat a balanced diet for good overall health, selecting a variety of foods from the five main food groups (bread, cereals, and other grain products; fruits; vegetables; meat, poultry, fish and alternatives; milk, cheese, and yogurt), and limit snacks.
4. See your dentist regularly for a dental exam and professional cleaning -- a key to helping prevent tooth decay and periodontal (gum) disease.
5. Tell your dentist about medical conditions you have and any medications you are taking -- prescription or over-the-counter.
6. Ask your dentist about cosmetic options for improving the appearance of teeth that are stained or chipped.
7. Don't use tobacco products; they can increase your risk of periodontal disease and cancer of the mouth and throat.
8. Don't chew on hard objects like ice or pencils that could crack a tooth.
9. Don't ignore gums that bleed when you brush or floss or changes in the way your teeth fit together when you bite. See your dentist for an evaluation of the problem.
10. Don't forget to wear a mouthguard when playing active sports.
For information about the ADA's position on oral health issues, visit www.ada.org.
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