Now that the New Year has finally arrived, people are determined to make their 2012 resolutions stick, and from what I have seen, most of them are off to a great start. The most common resolution is to head back into the gym. A healthy heart, mind and body are an absolute necessity to living a long and healthy life. However, a less common, but equally important, resolution revolves around your dental hygiene.

Dental services are typically overlooked this time of year for several reasons. Understandably, a lot of our resolutions are based on obtaining a healthy appearance, but those resolutions are based on gym time. Seen just as often, if not more, is (and should be) your smile.

The summer will be here before you know it and a bright white smile would look great on you while you’re vacationing at the beach. Teeth whitening is great but to make it last even longer requires healthy dental habits.

Brushing your teeth two or three times daily seems like a small commitment in regards to resolutions, but what about flossing? Though it requires a little more time and effort, flossing prevents cavities and tooth decay which can lead to fillings, root canals and even gingivitis. Although we love seeing you, making a daily commitment to floss can save you an extra visit to the dentist’s office. Your health is our top priority.

Even if you personally don’t struggle with dental upkeep, giving your children the responsibility of maintaining their own resolution could be rewarding. It could also teach them a discipline that they will carry with them throughout their lives. Set weekly or monthly goals for their brushing or flossing habits and award them when they complete it. Creating a sense of accomplishment for such a worthy practice can be fun, prevent cavities and create a wonderful habit as they continue their New Year’s Dental Resolution.