Avoid the “I Wish I Had” Moments. Let Your Dentist Help
- Bruno Gressi
- May 7
- 3 min read
When it comes to health, hindsight is always 20/20. In a BuzzFeed piece by Dannica Ramirez, adults over 40 shared the habits they really wish they’d adopted earlier - from stretching and nutrition to, yes, better dental care. The bottom line? The actions you take now directly impact the quality of your life later - especially when it comes to your oral health.
At By The Lake Dental, we hear it all the time: "I wish I’d taken better care of my teeth when I was younger." As your favourite dental office in Ajax and Scarborough, we’re here to remind you that it's never too late to build healthier habits and protect your smile.
Why Oral Health Matters More Than You Think
Among all the heartfelt stories in the article, one powerful theme kept surfacing - oral health. Preventive dental care today can save you time, discomfort, and thousands of dollars tomorrow.
Let’s take a closer look at what people over 40 wish they had done sooner:
💬 “I’ve Spent Over $50K on Dental Work”
“At 72, I’ve spent over $50k on dental work. I wish I’d brushed, flossed, and cared about my gums earlier. Now I’m on a twice-daily routine with gentle toothpaste and saltwater rinses. It takes eight minutes - totally worth it.”
At By The Lake Dental, we can’t stress this enough: brushing, flossing, and regular hygiene visits are small efforts with massive rewards. A consistent routine could mean avoiding complex dental procedures later in life.
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Other Life-Changing Habits People Wish They’d Adopted Earlier
What happens in your body is connected to your mouth. Here are a few healthier habits we can start today and how they relate to your oral health.
🛏️ Prioritizing Health Checkups
“I burned out by overworking. Now I take regular breaks and prioritize health checkups. It’s made a huge difference.”
🍔 Eating Better
“I never learned how to eat nutritiously. My go-to meals are takeout and fast food. If I could go back, I’d definitely cook more and eat better.”
Diet impacts more than your waistline - it affects your teeth too. Sugary, acidic foods are a fast track to decay. Learn more here.
🧠 Mental Health Maintenance
“I wish I’d started therapy younger. Taking that first step made all the difference.”
Your mental health is deeply connected to your physical health, including your oral hygiene routines. Learn more here.
☀️ Skincare and Prevention
“Sunscreen! Not just for cancer prevention, but for aging gracefully too.”
🚫 Sobriety and Lifestyle Changes
“Sobriety changed my life. I wasted 20 years drinking, but I’ve loved the decades since giving it up.”
Excessive alcohol can damage your teeth and gums. Making smarter choices supports long-term dental health. Learn more here.
🌾 Fiber & Gut Health
“I didn’t realize how important fiber was until I lost part of my colon.”
Your digestive health is also influenced by your oral health, making nutrition doubly important. Learn more here.
📚 Rediscovering Reading and Confidence
“Now at 51, I’m hooked on books and finally feel confident in conversations.”
🏃 Getting Active, Even Late in Life
“Turns out, I love hiking and biking. I just discovered it late.”
It’s never too late to fall in love with healthy habits. Did you know that exercise has a positive effect on your oral health too? Learn more here.
Let By The Lake Dental Help You Build Better Habits
Whether you’re 18 or 81, younger or older, the best time to take care of your health - including your teeth - is now! At By The Lake Dental, we’re more than just a dental clinic. We’re your partners in lifelong wellness.
From routine hygiene visits to orthodontics, dental implants to root canals and much more... our experienced dentists and dental team provide modern, efficient and effective dental care for over a decade to our communities.
Book Your Visit Today
Ready to commit to your health? Let’s start with your smile. Book your appointment with By The Lake Dental today! Your future self (and your teeth) will thank you.
Why Choose By The Lake Dental:
✅ +10 years caring for our community’s oral health needs
✅ A Platinum+ Invisalign dental office
✅ Direct billing to benefit provider
✅ Cutting-edge technology
✅ Full service family care
✅ Concierge experience
𝗪𝗲'𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗰𝗰𝗲𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗡𝗘𝗪 𝗣𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗦
Call us today: Ajax 905-428-2111, Highland Creek 416-284-8282.
