Once the calendar turns to January 1st, many people recommit to eating healthy, going to the gym, and losing weight. However, many New Year’s resolutions do not focus on oral health. By including your smile in your New Year’s betterment plans, you can boost your self-esteem and improve your overall health in the process. Proper oral hygiene is only the beginning of taking good care of your teeth and gums. Here are some tips for keeping your smile healthy in the New Year:
- Practice good oral hygiene. This should be a given, but it bears repeating. One of the most important things you can do for your smile is to practice good oral hygiene every single day. This includes brushing your teeth twice a day with a toothpaste containing fluoride, flossing at least once a day, and using mouthwash for an extra fluoride rinse. You should also remember to use a new toothbrush every three to six months, or if the bristles are worn. A good reminder is to replace your toothbrush whenever you visit the dentist, which should be at least every six months.
- Stop smoking. Quitting smoking is a great New Year’s resolution to embrace for multiple reasons. Not only is smoking bad for your health, but it is terrible for your smile. It can cause bad breath, discoloration of your teeth, increased tooth decay, recession of your gums, and gum disease. There is also an increased risk of gum disease when you smoke regularly.
- Get healthy. Did you know that what you eat and drink can make a big difference in maintaining your smile as well? Start by drinking more water and less soda. Water helps clean your mouth, particularly between meals. Eating foods with plenty of vitamins and minerals improve your immune system and contain antioxidants, both of which are great for battling gum disease and potential infections. Make getting healthy a goal for the New Year.
- Cut back on coffee and wine. If you want to keep your teeth as white as possible, avoid drinking dark beverages like coffee, red wine and soft drinks. They can cause staining and discoloration in the enamel of your teeth. Instead, stick with water as much as possible.
- Visit your dentist. Lastly, visit your dentist every six months for a routine checkup and cleaning. This helps keep your mouth healthy and will help maintain your beautiful smile. If you haven’t scheduled your next dentist appointment yet, pick up the phone in January to get your next appointment on the calendar.