If you have been taking good care of your dental health and have been making your regularly scheduled visits to the dentist, you will hopefully have avoided any major dental health issues this year. If you unfortunately have had dental problems, you know that avoiding them in the future is vital in terms of avoiding the pain and discomfort that goes with them. Even if you have not had any problems, that does not mean that you can take your teeth and gums for granted. The New Year is the time to make some easy-to-follow resolutions about dental care.

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• Brush Regularly: You know that brushing your teeth twice a day is important, but somehow you never seem to get around to doing it. Remember that if dental problems arise because of your lack of regular brushing, the time the treatment could take and the disruption to your life may be much longer than the time needed for the second brushing.
• Floss Daily: This is another thing you are aware of, but do you do it the right way? It's surprising how many people do not know the proper flossing process. Ask your dentist about the right way to go about it and if you have problems with flossing, ask about a water flosser.
• Replace Your Toothbrush Frequently: Toothbrushes don't last forever. It's easy to overlook the signs of a worn-out brush like missing or bent bristles. The feel of brushing with a defective brush may be the same as that with a good one, but the cleaning of your teeth is much less.
• Use the Right Toothbrush: Finding a toothbrush that is right for your mouth is not easy. The many designs and claims from competing manufacturers can cause a lot of confusion. Talk to your dentist about the type of brush that is right for you.
• Think About Your Diet: Certain vitamins and nutrients can promote healthy teeth and gums. The right diet will ensure that your body gets enough of them. Ask your dentist about the foods that will contribute to protecting your dental health.
• Drink Lots of Water: As you probably know, drinking lots of water is good for your overall health. It is particularly good for your teeth and gums because it rinses away food particles and bacteria that may be present.
• Reduce Your Sugar Intake: Sugar, in various forms - sweets, chocolates, sodas, ice creams, cakes and much more - contributes to plaque build-up and subsequent bacteria growth that leads to weakened enamel and tooth decay.

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These practices will go a long way in protecting your teeth and gums. However, numerous factors beyond your control could still cause dental problems. To complete your dental protection, make sure you get regular check-ups with the best dentist in San Jose. This is when incipient problems you are not aware of will be spotted and action is taken to prevent the problems from worsening. And even if you or others in your family have no dental issues, the scheduled visits will give all of you the confidence you need to present yourselves to the world. And that is a priceless gift to carry with you through the year.

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