January 2017 is almost over, and most patients at our Edgewood, KY dentist office have abandoned their resolutions. But here’s the good news – you’re never too late to begin a new resolution!

Having a healthier family should always be at the top of your goal list, and we are here to help you achieve that goal and move forward as a family.

There are several steps that you can take to becoming a healthier family. Exercising more, eating healthier meals, and keeping harmful chemicals out of your home can each improve the overall health of your crew, but did you know that oral health is often the secret to a healthier body?

How Improved Oral Health Can Change Your Life in 2017
If the goal is having a healthier family, it can begin with your favorite set of smiles: those of your spouse and children. You may have heard that your mouth is like a window to the rest of your body, and it is absolutely true!
A healthy mouth is an indication of a healthy body, and an unhealthy mouth is an indication of an unhealthy mouth. Recent studies have found connections between oral health and diabetes, cancer, Alzheimer’s, and heart disease. We often think of these diseases occurring later in life, but the infections that cause those diseases can begin in childhood.

By creating a household culture of healthy teeth, you are potentially improving and extending your children’s lives.
Is there any better way to spend your 2017? We don’t think so.

How to Improve Your Family’s Oral Health in 3 Simple Steps
Step 1: Evaluate the Pantry
It’s sometimes easy to dismiss the amount of sugar, starch, and carbohydrates in your kids’ snacks because they have excellent metabolism, and they enjoy those types of foods! However, don’t let chips, fruit chews, and pretzels dominate your child’s diet.

While it may not (though probably is) seem to affect their waistlines, it is definitely affecting their teeth. These types of foods are sticky and get into the crevices and cracks of their teeth where deep decay can happen.
It’s not just foods, either. Be sure your child is drinking plenty of water and has a glass of milk with meals. Drinks like juice, soda, and sports drinks should be saved for special occasions.

Step 2: Revisit Your Family Routine
Do you make time each morning and evening for your child to brush and floss? You can’t expect your elementary student to make the time to do this, so it’s important that you prioritize hygiene into their daily routine.

Every member of your family should brush for at least two minutes twice a day. They should floss before they brush their teeth in the evening. It will definitely take time for your child to develop the coordination and habit to make these a part of their personal daily routine, but until then, practice, practice, practice!

Step 3: Make Your Dental Appointments NOW
We all know how it goes; you want to do something, but you don’t put it on the calendar. Six months later, you still want to accomplish that goal, but time has gotten away from you. For many families, this is what happens with routine dental cleanings and exams. Your activities will fill your calendar and make dental appointments difficult.

That’s why we recommend that families make their semi-annual appointments at least six months in advance. Let the dental appointment be the first priority, and let everything else fall in line. This will not only ensure that the appointments don’t, “get away from you”, but it will also help your kids learn how to prioritize things in life.

It’s Not Too Late to Set Goals for 2017
Though the first month of the year is coming to a close, it’s not too late to set excellent goals for your family.
Call our office right now at 859-474-7830 and make an appointment for your entire family. We have plenty of operatories, so we can give simultaneous cleanings to each member of your family saving you time and the hassle of coming to and from the office several times. Make 2017 healthier for your entire family by visiting our office soon.