As 2020 draws to a close and we start looking ahead into the new year, many people are making new year’s resolutions that they hope will improve themselves and their lives. While common resolutions deal with losing weight and exercising more, not very many people think about their oral health when making resolutions. However, your overall health is affected by your oral health, so why not try making some resolutions based on your oral health this year? Not sure where to start? Here are some easy and effective ways to improve your oral health that you can use as the basis for your resolutions:
Brush and Floss Daily
One of the first resolutions you can make this year is to brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes and floss daily. While this sounds pretty straightforward, only about one third of Americans floss daily. We’re all guilty of skipping parts of our dental hygiene routine, either because we forget, run out of time, or are simply too tired. Making a resolution to brush and floss daily can help hold you accountable and improve your oral health.
Buy New Toothbrushes
Another resolution you can make is to buy new toothbrushes. Yes, you will need to buy more than one. In fact, you should buy four. This is because it is important to switch your toothbrush every three months as the bristles wear out. Not only will this make sure your teeth are being cleaned effectively, but it will limit the amount of bacteria on your toothbrush.
Decrease Your Sugar Intake
Decreasing the amount of sugar you consume on a daily basis is another resolution that can improve your oral health. Since sugars are the main food source of the bacteria that causes tooth decay, consuming less sugar means that you can reduce the amount of bacteria and decrease the risk of tooth decay. In addition to sugars, you will also want to limit the amount of acidic foods and beverages as well since these acids erode the enamel.
Increase Fruit and Vegetable Intake
Instead of eating foods that contain sugar or acidic foods, try eating more fruits and vegetables. Not only do they have a variety of nutrients that will benefit your overall health, but they are beneficial for your teeth as well. For starters, fruits and vegetables increase saliva production, which makes it easier for your mouth to flush out food debris and neutralize acids. Additionally, foods like celery and broccoli actually clean your while you chew them. Finally, certain fruits and vegetables can actually help whiten your teeth.
Drink More Water
Drinking more water is another resolution that can benefit both your oral and overall health. Water helps to produce more saliva to clean the mouth, which decreases the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Drinking a glass of water after a meal is especially beneficial, because it helps to remove excess food particles and allows saliva to work more efficiently.
Try Cosmetic Dentistry
If you have something about your smile that you wish you could change, this is the year to try cosmetic dentistry. There are many different types of cosmetic dental treatments that can correct a number of things. At a glance, cosmetic dentistry can improve the size, shape, alignment, color, and spacing of your teeth, as well as repairing damaged teeth and replacing missing teeth. There are even treatments that can fix gum recession or gummy smiles. With so many options, you are sure to find a treatment to give you the smile of your dreams.
Schedule Your Dental Exams and Cleanings
Finally, to help improve or maintain your oral health, you can make it a resolution to visit your local dentist office at least twice in 2021 for exams and cleanings. Dental exams are important to make sure your teeth and gums are healthy, while dental cleanings help to maintain your oral health by removing excess plaque, tartar, and bacteria from the surface of your teeth. You can check this one off your list by calling our office and scheduling your 2021 appointments.
