When you do something that improves your life on multiple fronts, that’s self-improvement at the highest level. Imagine getting healthier and saving money along the way. No, it’s not a free gym membership. We’re talking about improving your dental health, and this time of year New Year’s resolutions are a great way to kickstart the process!
You can alter your daily oral health regimen, and before long you’ve changed a problematic behavior without even thinking about it. Keep reading for suggestions from your dentist in Allen on New Year’s resolutions for a healthy smile.
Resolution #1: Visit Your Dentist in Allen Every Six Months
The best way to stop dental issues in their tracks is to detect them early or prevent them from happening in the first place. Regular visits to your dentist will help ensure that no dental issues go unnoticed or worsen into something more serious.
Resolution #2: Implement Helpful Oral Hygiene Habits
Some examples of stellar dental care to power up your smile include gently brushing twice each day with a soft-bristled toothbrush, holding your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to your gumline, using fluoride toothpaste, flossing, or utilizing an interdental brush once per day, and rinsing with mouthwash after brushing.
Resolution #3: Quit Using Tobacco Products
Smoking and the use of other tobacco products invites oral health problems and stains your teeth. Nicotine is highly addictive but consulting a medical professional for insight on quitting can help you break free of the urge.
Resolution #4: Combat Dry Mouth
Your saliva is crucial to maintaining the health of your teeth and gums, as it provides your enamel with minerals, neutralizes acidity, and helps wash away food matter and debris. Fortunately, there are many ways to reduce dry mouth, such as chewing sugar-free gum or drinking milk to increase saliva production, drinking water regularly and especially before bed, and avoiding excessive alcohol consumption or using illegal drugs.
Resolution #5: Make Healthier Choices with Your Diet
Your diet can have a significant impact on your oral health. Steps to improve your diet can include limiting your consumption of sugary or acidic foods and beverages, reducing snacking, rinsing your mouth with water after having meals or sugary drinks, and eating lots of fruits and veggies.
When you take a “new year, new me” approach and you follow through on these New Year’s resolutions, your smile and your bank account will thank you. Allow yourself enough time for your new routine to morph into habits. For more helpful ideas, talk to your Allen dentist during your next appointment!
About the Author
Dr. Tonie Lewis was in a major car accident at age eight that left her with a broken jaw, but the silver lining was that it inspired her lifelong love of dentistry. In fact, the team of dentists who took care of her later became her mentors. She earned her dental doctorate from Howard University and is certified in Invisalign and laser dentistry. Dr. Lewis loves the idea of you setting New Year’s resolutions to boost your oral health. She can definitely help with the first resolution via a dental cleaning and exam. You can schedule an appointment on her website or by calling (972) 954-9728.