6 New Year's Resolutions for a Healthier Mouth
New Year’s is the perfect time to make some resolutions. Resolutions can be made to improve any area of your life, including your fitness, organization, and even your smile. Here are some resolutions you can make to have a healthier mouth.
1. Eat your fruits and vegetables
Eating fruits and vegetables is a great way to keep your teeth healthy in the new year. Fruits and vegetables do not have excessive amounts of sugar, and they provide your body with the nutrients (antioxidants and vitamins) it needs to fight infection and inflammation. This is important in protecting your gums and keeping them healthy. Fruits and vegetables that are more crunchy and crisp, like apples and carrots, are also great for removing plaque from your teeth and help to freshen your breath.
2. Limit your alcohol consumption
Drinking too much alcohol can have negative impacts on your oral health. When you drink alcohol, your saliva production slows, which can result in dry mouth and plaque buildup. If you do drink alcohol, here are a few tips to maintain good oral health:
- Drink in moderation.
- Drink a lot of water to help wash away the acidic drinks.
- Brush and floss daily.
- Visit your dentist regularly to help reduce tartar buildup.
3. Quit smoking and using other tobacco products
Tobacco can have serious negative impacts on your oral health, especially with long-term use. Long-term tobacco use can lead to receding gums, tooth decay, gum disease, and oral cancer. It can also make it more difficult to heal after oral surgery.
We know that it’s not easy to quit smoking, so here are some tips that can help you stay on top of your oral health:
- Brush and floss your teeth each day.
- Drink a lot of water.
- Visit your dentist regularly. They can help provide tips and resources for maintaining good oral health.
If you are trying to quit smoking and tobacco use, the American Lung Association has some great resources.
4. Brush your teeth twice a day
It is recommended that you brush your teeth twice a day, morning and night, to prevent gum disease and plaque build-up. Brushing your teeth is an important part of your oral health. If you don’t already do this, this is a great goal to have for the new year.
If this isn’t a habit that you already have and need help building it, you can try setting a reminder or alarm in your phone at convenient times for you to brush your teeth every day.
5. Floss your teeth once a day
You should floss in between all of your teeth every day. Flossing your teeth at least once a day is recommended by dentists because flossing cleans those hard-to-reach places in between your teeth that your toothbrush can’t clean well.
Try pairing this with your evening toothbrushing to make it easier to build this habit.
6. Visit the dentist for regular check-ups.
You should visit the dentist every six months. The dentist will clean your teeth and check that your mouth is healthy. If this isn’t something that you already do, make a resolution to schedule an appointment with your dentist and get your teeth cleaned.
To schedule your next check-up with Grove City Dental, give us a call at 208-782-0242.