The new year is a time for progress and change, but poor oral health can cause much stress and discomfort. Luckily, resolving to improve your hygiene, chewing, and eating habits can set you up for many decades with a gorgeous smile full of healthy teeth. Here are a few new year’s resolutions to make to improve your oral health and enhance the beauty of your grin.
Step Up Your Oral Hygiene Habits
Your at-home oral hygiene habits are the most important part of preserving your dental health. Every day, be sure to clean your teeth in the following ways:
- Brushing: Using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, gently clean each of the outer surfaces of your teeth for about two minutes at a time. Do this at least twice a day, once in the morning and once before bed.
- Flossing: Treating the spaces between your teeth with dental floss can eliminate plaque and food debris that your toothbrush cannot reach. Just make sure to be gentle so you don’t injure your gums.
- Antibacterial mouthwash: These minty liquids are like magical potions that kill more than 99% of the harmful bacterial in your mouth. Choose a brand with the American Dental Association’s seal of approval and follow the instructions printed on the label.
Cut Down on Soda and Other Sugary Beverages
Soda is the nemesis of dentists everywhere because it is incredibly high in sugar that feeds harmful oral bacteria and acid that erodes enamel. Unfortunately, these beverages are incredibly popular and have even become staples in many people’s diets. Limiting your consumption of these fizzy, sweet drinks can help you avoid tooth decay and other oral infections, so cutting back on soda makes a great new year’s resolution.
Don’t Use Your Teeth as Tools
Many people find using their teeth to open packages or bottles to be easy and convenient. Unfortunately, using your teeth for anything but smiling and chewing is a great way chip, crack, or fracture them so they become more vulnerable to painful infections and permanent loss. Resolving to use scissors or bottle openers instead of your teeth can potentially save you thousands of dollars by preventing the need for restorative dental work.
The new year is an opportunity to improve your habits and your quality of life. By resolving to take better care of your teeth, you can keep your smile healthy and strong for many decades to come.
About the Author
Dr. John White earned his dental degree from the University of North Carolina and completed a two-year post-doctoral residency program at Wake Forest University’s Baptist Hospital and Bowman Gray School of Medicine. He has also earned his Mastership in the Academy of General Dentistry, an honor bestowed upon less than 1% of dentists. His office in Asheville offers general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry. To schedule your first dental checkup of the new year, contact his office online or dial (828) 684-3020.