Do you take good care of your teeth? Most people would say they do. Roughly 52.3% of adults visit their dentist every six months, and 70% brush their teeth twice a day. Yet, even with most of us practicing great dental habits, the American College of Prosthodontists reports that about 120 million people are missing at least one tooth, and 36 million don’t have any teeth at all! Unfortunately, you can have great oral hygiene habits, never miss your dental checkup, and still be hurting your teeth on a daily basis. Here’s what your dentist wants you to know about everyday habits and routines that could be damaging your teeth, and what you can do about them.

A new year is quickly approaching and as you prepare for a “new you” in 2020, you must first come face to face with your grandmother’s sugar-filled treats she has laid out for all to consume this holiday season. Everything from candies, drinks, cookies, and pies, you can bet the hours she put in to make these delicious goodies will not be easy to dismiss. But if you want to keep from planning a full smile makeover because of decay and disease plaguing your mouth, you’ll need to keep a few things in mind. Like what? Let your dentist share 4 things you can do to better protect your pearly whites and soft tissues this holiday.