New Year's Resolutions for Your Teeth

The year's renewal is upon us, meaning we have had some time to start thinking about what changes we would like to make in our lives this new year. Many people choose to commit to a new diet, exercise, or hobby, which can be a great way to kickstart the new year with personal growth and happiness. Another way to enhance your health is to commit to an effective oral hygiene routine. If you have been neglecting healthy brushing habits and consuming excessive sugar throughout the Christmas period, now is the perfect time to start a new year’s resolution for your teeth.

Below are a few examples of resolutions that you can get started on in the Fresh Year.

MONITOR YOUR FOOD CHOICES

-Making healthier decisions when it comes to food is something that many people struggle with. This is something considerably important, not only for physical health and weight management but also for our teeth. Cutting back on sugary snacks and drinks can help to drastically reduce the risk of tooth decay. If you are someone who enjoys frequent snacking, it is recommended to opt-in for more sugar-free options or sugar-free gum which can help to facilitate saliva flow, allowing a constant flush of food debris from between the teeth whilst strengthening the tooth enamel. By also avoiding acidic foods, an acid attack and teeth sensitivity can be prevented. If unavoidable, you should make sure to implement a good brushing technique into your oral care routine around 30minutes after an acidic meal. Nevertheless, there are certain foods such as green vegetables which include calcium and can help to strengthen the teeth, contributing to better oral care.

IMPROVE YOUR BRUSHING & FLOSSING HABITS

-As mentioned above, in order to maintain and enhance your oral health, you should be brushing and flossing twice a day. Flossing is an overlooked but essential part of the oral health routine, contributing to as much as 40% of teeth cleaning. Flossing daily helps to remove food debris that has accumulated between the teeth and cannot be reached by a regular toothbrush. This helps to prevent a build-up of plaque into tartar, consequently preventing gum disease. By brushing and flossing daily, you can also successfully prevent dental health issues such as gingivitis, bad breath, and cavities.

QUIT SMOKING

-Smoking cigarettes or frequent use of tobacco products are widely known to be addictive and to have negative side effects on our health. Tobacco is responsible for a wide variety of serious health issues, including doubling the risk of gum disease, also causing permanent staining and damage to the teeth. There are many alternatives and solutions which can help to reduce your reliance on tobacco. It is recommended to reach out to a specialist or friends and loved ones who will help you to make the change.

COMMIT TO ROUTINE DENTAL CHECKUPS

-By vising a dentist or dental hygienist regularly, you can be assured that you are maintaining good oral health. Often dental complications can be overlooked and unnoticed by us but by visiting a specialist routinely, they can help to identify any early signs of decay or gum disease, preventing its development into more serious complications.

Don’t forget, good dental health is correlated with good overall health. This year, commit to making your smile a priority.