New Year Resolutions for a Healthy Smile
As we ring in the new year, many of us think about different resolutions or goals we can set for ourselves to help create a healthier and happier life. Perhaps you want to save more money, get a better job, connect with an old friend or improve your physical health.
To your list of resolution this year, why not add: Improve Dental Health.
Here are a few simple ideas to help you along your way to a brighter, healthier smile this coming year.
Eat Plenty of Fruits and Vegetables
Eating well is important for your dental health. Poor nutrition can affect your entire body including susceptibility to many oral disorders such as gum disease. Antioxidants and other nutrients found in fruits and vegetables improve your body’s ability to fight bacteria and inflammation, helping to protect your teeth and gums. In addition, crisp fruits and raw vegetables such as apples, carrots and celery help clean plaque from teeth and help keep your breath fresh.
Quit Smoking or Using Other Tobacco Products
Using tobacco can harm your mouth in a number of ways. It can increase your risk for tooth discoloration, cavities, gum recession, gum disease and oral cancer. Additionally, smokers are about twice as likely to lose their teeth as non-smokers. The good news is that the risk of tooth loss decreases after you quit smoking or using smokeless tobacco. It is important to note that smokeless tobacco can be just as harmful to your oral health as traditional tobacco products.
Limit Your Alcohol Intake
Excessive alcohol intake exposes your mouth to increased levels of sugars and acids, which can have a negative impact on your oral health. Some examples include a delay in healing after surgery, tooth decay, gum recession and oral cancer. If you do consume alcohol it is important to take some precautions by rinsing your mouth with water or brushing your teeth after consumption.
Brush at Least Twice a Day
Brushing your teeth daily protect you from tooth decay and gum disease, which is caused by your teeth’s most persistent enemy, plaque – a sticky, colorless, invisible film of harmful bacteria that builds up on your teeth every day. Brushing your teeth at least two times a day, or after every meal, will help you fight the battle against plaque – and improve your overall oral health.
See Your Dentist for Regular Checkups
By seeing your dentist at least twice a year, you can help prevent dental health problems before they cause discomfort or require more comprehensive or expensive treatment. Regular visits allow your dentist to monitor your oral health and make recommendations to address areas of concern.
For this new year, resolve to treat your mouth right by improving your oral health habits – your teeth and your body will thank you for it.
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