SYRACUSE, N.Y., Dec. 18, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- As the New Year approaches, Dr. Nadia Chowhan of Aspen Dental is reminding her patients to make their oral health a priority.

"So many Americans focus their New Year's resolutions on getting fit and healthy, exercising more and eating better. Unfortunately, oral health often isn't even on their radar screen," said Dr. Chowhan. "Your mouth is the gateway to your body, so regular dental care, including visits to your dentist as well as practicing good care at home, will have a positive impact on your overall health, too."

Dr. Chowhan offers the following advice for patients:

• Visit your dentist regularly for check ups and cleanings. The need for regular visits to your dentist doesn't go away when you wear dentures — even patients who have no natural teeth and wear full dentures should have their mouth examined annually.
• Brush your teeth at least twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush (unless otherwise specified by your dentist) and rinse with mouthwash. Brushing helps remove food and plaque on both natural teeth and dentures. It also helps prevent development of permanent stains. Floss your teeth to remove plaque, including below the gum line where your toothbrush can't reach. Denture-wearers should clean their gums to avoid plaque build-up that can irritate the tissue under dentures, and thoroughly clean dentures at night to avoid bacteria growth.
• Tell your dentist about any medical conditions, recent operations, allergies, and medications you may be taking, or changes to your medications. This will avoid any potential adverse interactions with the medications that your dentist may prescribe. Plus, more than 400 commonly used medications can cause dry mouth – and reduction of the flow of saliva increases the risk for oral disease.
• Know the warning signs that indicate your mouth may be at risk of infection. Check for red, swollen, bleeding gums when you brush. If you have these symptoms, see a dentist, as these may be signs of gingivitis.
• Alert your dentist immediately if you notice red or white patches on your gums, cheeks or tongue, sores that fail to heal within two weeks, or an unusual hard spot on the side of your tongue. These may be signs of oral cancer that should be quickly examined by your dentist.

To make an appointment, please call 800-ASPEN DENTAL (800-277-3633), or visit www.aspendental.com.

About Aspen Dental
One of the largest and fastest-growing networks of dental care providers in the U.S., Aspen Dental practices are committed to providing patients with affordable, high-quality care. With more than 360 locations in 25 states, Aspen Dental practices are nationally accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB).

In 2011, Aspen Dental practices recorded more than 2.2 million patient visits, including visits from more than 490,000 new patients. Patients can learn what to expect during their first visit at http://www.aspendental.com/faq/first-visit.

For more information about Aspen Dental practices and services, visit www.aspendental.com. To learn more about careers at Aspen Dental, visit http://aspendentaljobs.com.

SOURCE Aspen Dental