For most people, the new year marks the opportunity to reboot. Plenty of us make resolutions to finally lose that extra 5 pounds or perhaps stick to a healthier diet. Whatever your resolution may be, it’s important to continuously commit to your oral health.
Certain oral issues have been linked to other serious conditions like heart disease, dementia, respiratory infections and diabetes, so it is always important to keep your teeth in good shape.
Check out our list of positive goals for the new year that will keep your teeth happy.
5 Resolutions for Your Teeth
1. Floss Daily
Yes, this one seems like it isn’t so bad to skip, but flossing takes only 2 minutes and can have a huge impact on your mouth. Skipping the floss can lead to serious plaque building up, cavities and eventually pricey operations like root canals.
Taking the time to floss at the end of the day can preserve your smile.
2. Stay Hydrated
Drinking water is one of the best things we can do for our bodies; H20 flushes out toxins and keeps our bodies in their prime. Water also rinses away excess food particles and lingering bacteria in our mouths, which is why rinsing your teeth between brushing is a great habit to form.
To understand how much water your body needs, divide your weight in half and aim to drink that many ounces a day!
3. Give Up Tobacco
If you are a smoker of any kind, it’s time to give up this costly addiction! Whether you enjoy chewing tobacco, cigarettes, or cigars, you are increasing your odds of mouth cancer. Tobacco increases your risk of gum disease, which causes bad breath, plaque build-up and yellow teeth.
4. Whiten Your Teeth
Whitening your teeth won’t actually keep your teeth healthy, but they will appear that way! You should continue to maintain regular brushing habits, although whitening can be a nice way to boost your confidence and show off your smile.
At Appletree Dental, we offer reasonably priced in-office whitening treatments that are guaranteed to brighten your smile.
5. Make Your Dental Appointment
No one really likes visiting the dentist, but your teeth will thank you! When you go to the dentist for a checkup, your teeth will be thoroughly examined and cleaned so you can maintain a healthy smile. When we neglect our teeth, we are prone to serious infections and expensive dental work.
In order to keep your mouth in good shape, visit your dentist twice a year for a regular exam and cleaning.