It’s time to make some oral health resolutions for the upcoming year.
If you are like many people, you may focus on dropping a few pounds or saving more money. This year, why not create some dental New Year’s resolutions instead? These simple changes can make a big difference in your overall quality of life and may even improve your oral health. They are also easy to put in place.
#1: Daily Brushing
You may be busy and rushing in the mornings to get out of the home but stopping to brush your teeth is critical. It takes just two minutes of brushing your teeth twice a day to make a significant difference in your oral health. For many people, it can be the easiest of habits to put in place. Make it a component of your early morning and late-night routine, doing it at the same time each day. That way, you’re less likely to forget. Make the switch to an electric toothbrush to improve your brushing power, too.
#2: Daily Flossing
Flossing is often something people put off because it takes a few more minutes, but it can be the best tool to fight against the buildup of bacteria in the mouth. Flossing gets rid of food particles trapped between the teeth, which are common areas for bacteria growth and development. Flossing doesn’t have to take long as new toothpick-like devices are available that make it a simple task you can do within a few minutes.
#3: Regular Dental Cleanings
Going to the dentist at least one time every six months is advisable. Doing so ensures that your teeth have as much of the plaque buildup removed as possible. Regular dental cleanings take less than an hour to complete and provide a way for your dentist to monitor your overall dental health as well.
#4: Stop Smoking
Smoking is problematic for a number of reasons. Tobacco itself causes damage to the gums and stains the teeth. Smoking and using tobacco products also cause damage to the gums and tissues in the mouth, restricting blood flow to the area. This can worsen conditions like gingivitis and periodontitis. Smoking is bad for your health, too. Though this may be a resolution that is more difficult to put into place, it could be the best thing you do to protect your overall health and wellness.
#5: Skip the Sugary Drinks and Snacks
Making changes to your diet may also be one of the best things you can do for your oral health. Sugar – in the form of candy, soda, drinks, snacks, and other sweets – is fuel for bacteria. It causes the rapid production of bacteria in your mouth, leading to a higher risk for plaque buildup as well as promoting tooth decay. While it may be difficult to ditch sugar, reducing how much you take in and brushing after you eat or drink anything may be one way to further combat this problem.
Make your teeth your New Year’s resolution this year. Incorporate these five resolutions to see a significant improvement in your oral health.