New Year’s Resolutions are a great way to start the new year. Most of us focus on losing weight, being healthier, or building better money habits. But this year, why not make taking care of your dental health your New Year’s Resolution?
Having healthy teeth is essential for overall health. Poor oral hygiene can lead to tooth decay and gum disease, which can cause pain, tooth loss, and even systemic diseases. To maintain and protect your teeth, it’s important to brush at least twice a day, floss daily, and visit your dentist regularly.
If you are looking for ways to improve your oral health, here are a few tips:
1. Brush your teeth twice a day and floss at least once daily.
Brushing your teeth twice a day is one of the most important things you can do to take care of your teeth. Bacteria is the root of many dental problems, but brushing your teeth destroys the bacteria in your mouth, saving you from a lot of potential problems. Brushing your teeth also prevents the buildup of tartar.
If tartar builds up, the only treatment is getting it removed by your dentist. If it goes untreated, it can result in a gum infection among many other things. That being said, brushing your teeth regularly improves your overall health. Last but not least, flossing is very important. Flossing reaches parts of your mouth that your toothbrush can’t. A lack of flossing can cause you to have tooth decay or gum disease.
2. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
There are many types of toothbrushes, ranging from soft to hard. The best kind to use is soft bristles. Soft-bristle toothbrushes bend and shape themselves to your teeth. They also reach areas of your teeth that hard bristles can’t. This makes them gentler and better at cleaning your teeth.
Fluoride toothpaste is also recommended for some people. It can help your dental health as it strengthens your teeth’s enamel (which helps prevent tooth decay). Simultaneously, it lowers the amount of acid that is produced by bacteria on your teeth.
3. Avoid sugary and acidic foods and drinks.
A lot of food that we eat is refined or processed and contains acid and sugar. Unfortunately, this is the case for a lot of food. When foods that are high in both acid and sugar are consumed very often, the chance of getting cavities gets higher. The reason acid and sugar is bad for your teeth is because it causes demineralization. Demineralization is the process of losing calcium and phosphate – which leads to tooth decay.
4. Avoid tobacco and excessive alcohol consumption.
Tobacco and alcohol are both bad for your teeth. Tobacco causes a lot of issues with your dental health. These issues include bad breath, teeth discoloration, a buildup of plaque, and weak enamel. Alcohol can do some damage to your teeth as well, depending on what you’re drinking. The amount of sugar in your drink can increase your risk of tooth decay (as mentioned above). Darker alcoholic beverages can also stain your teeth and cause a dull appearance. Another thing to look out for is a decrease in saliva production, so make sure you stay hydrated when drinking.
5. Visit your dentist twice a year for a regular check-up and cleaning.
Visiting your dentist is extremely helpful to your dental health. Not only will you catch problems before they become a big problem, but you will also maintain overall good dental health. It’s better to prevent an issue like tooth decay or gum disease, among many other health issues.
As we enter the new year, remember to take care of your teeth to ensure a healthy and beautiful smile. Brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing once a day are important to keeping your gums in good health. Scheduling regular check-ups and cleanings with your dentist are also key to making sure you catch problems before they become bigger. Lastly, making sure you do not eat too much sugary or acidic food is important in preventing tooth decay and cavities. Make it your New Year’s Resolution this year to create good oral habits that help maintain your dental health. Taking care of your teeth now will help ensure that you have a lifetime of good oral health.
