The tradition of the New Year's resolution goes back centuries. Big or little, many resolutions aim at some sort of self-improvement or change in how a person interacts with friends and family. Modern versions of the New Year's resolution can include:

• losing weight
• doing random acts of kindness
• getting more organized
• being proactive (stopping procrastination)
• curtailing foolish spending habits

The list goes on with some resolutions becoming lifelong habits, but, unfortunately, some new habits fall to stick.

This great resolution relates to a person's smile

One New Year's resolution that any dentist would love to see become a lifelong habit for his current and prospective patients is the showing off of a beautiful smile. While many people want great pearly whites, procrastination is often often a limiting factor when it comes to dental care.

Here are some outstanding reasons to stop procrastinating and to resolve to seek the best in preventative, restorative and cosmetic dental care this new year.

Dental health impacts overall health

What goes on with a person's smile has a direct effect on how healthy he is. Tooth decay and periodontal disease ( a gum condition which leads to tooth and bone loss) can set the stage for stroke, heart disease and other adverse health problems. Caught at the earliest stage, issues with teeth, gums and bone can be stabilized or even reversed, preserving those pearly whites and how well a person feels and functions every day. Regular and preventative dental check-ups and cleanings to remove plaque and tartar are important to the health of the mouth and the whole person, too. With these principles in mind, the American Dental Association recommends 2 preventative dental cleanings annually.

Restorations and cosmetic dentistry keep teeth in line and looking good

Porcelain veneers allow the dentist to change the shape, size, color and alignment of one or more teeth in a patient's mouth, giving the individual a completely beautiful set of pearly whites. Simple whitening procedures can improve the color of teeth by several shades.

Porcelain crowns and overlays address problems with teeth that have had cavities, while bridgework and dental implants take care of spaces created by missing teeth. Preserving as much of the natural structure of a tooth is important to oral health as is filling in gaps from tooth extraction. For individuals with extensive tooth loss, partial or full sets of dentures can provide the confidence any person needs to chew and to smile with confidence.

Why not show off those pearly whites this new year?

John Chu DMD would honored to help you keep your New Year's resolution to have a wonderful confident look with a healthy, natural smile. Contact his state-of-the-art South Pasadena office at 626-799-0852 to explore the best in preventative, cosmetic and restorative dentistry.