Improving dental health can do wonders for a person. Good-looking people tend to earn more money and have better job prospects than their less attractive counterparts and a smile filled with healthy teeth is just one attribute associated with beauty. While some individuals may have the resources to simply purchase cosmetic dentistry to get a pretty smile, others may lack the money needed and instead should focus their efforts to committing to New Year’s Resolutions that can improve dental health, improve a smile and save money.

Stop Smoking

Of all the habits and vices a person can have, smoking is the worst. The behavior may start off innocently enough, but tobacco is a highly addictive substance and individuals can find themselves quickly hooked. The average smoker spends over $2,100 annually for their habit (West Virginia Division of Tobacco Prevention and the state Health Statistics Center, http://wvgazette.com/News/201104211006). All they get for that investment is a product filled with toxins, carcinogens, bad breath, tooth-staining and an increased risk of developing debilitating (or life threatening) conditions such as oral cancer, heart disease and dental problems such as tooth decay and gum disease.

There are a myriad of ways to break the tobacco habit, however for some ‘cold turkey’ is the only way to go. Those who choose this particular method can see immediate improvements in their health and be sticking to the plan, the benefits will only increase over time. Within 20 minutes of smoking cessation blood pressure, pulse rate, and the hand and feet temperature will all return to normal and after a scant 48 hours a body will test 100% nicotine-free. Individuals primarily concerned with the smoking/dental health connection should know that blood circulation to teeth and gums should be recovered to the level of a non-user within ten days to two weeks.

Regardless of the methodology used to quit smoking, individuals can devise a reward system that can help. No matter what the price point, the money that would have been spent on cigarettes should be stowed away for savings. That newly freed revenue stream will surely come handy in the long run.

Stop Sipping Soda

While soda, sports drinks and energy drinks are popular ways hydrate and refresh, sipping plain water is the best choice for individuals who want to improve their dental health and save money in the process. Statistics indicate that the average American (either children or adults) drink 56 gallons of soda each year and in doing so, end up ingesting more than 150 pounds of sugar. Sugar is known for contributing to obesity and for causing dental problems including excessive dental plaque, tooth decay and gum disease.

Research conducted by the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey by a team at the University of Michigan “confirm that adults who drink three or more sodas a day have up to 62% more decayed, missing, and filled teeth than those who drink less,” (http://www.prevention.com/health/health/diabetes/drinking-soda-4-reasons-to-stop-soda-consumption/article/d9bc50d1fa803110VgnVCM10000013281eac____/3). Kicking the soda habit will immediately decrease the odds of developing excess dental plaque or dental tartar buildup as oral bacteria feast on the simple sugars left behind on the teeth of soda sippers.

Plus, by skipping soda and only drinking water, individuals can also contribute to that infamous New Year’s resolution of saving more money. Depending on the type of soda consumed and how it is packaged (IE fountain drinks vs. bottles) soda can cost approximately $4 to $8 a gallon for an approximate annual savings amount ranging from $800 to $1,200. Once again, this money can be put aside and dedicated to a better use.

Get Preventative Dentistry

Preventative dentistry is the science of getting dental care prior to any dental problem arising. A dentist office can deliver professional cleaning to remove harmful dental plaque, treat gingivitis before it develops into full-blown periodontal disease and fill dental cavities before the condition spreads in one’s mouth or is passed to another.

Any person who has set the goal of improving their dental health should kick off their commitment by getting to a dentist fast. Not only can preventative dentistry block issues from arising, it can also contribute to one’s nest egg. Some speculate that for every $1 spend on preventative dental care, the result can be a savings ranging from $8 to $50 for restorative care.

Individuals looking to find a dentist who can help keep dental health on tract in order to ensure that keeping this New Year’s Resolution is easy, simply need to dial 0900-DENTIST to get advice and help.