With a new year right around the corner, there’s no better time to set healthy goals for self-improvement in the coming months. Many people resolve to save money or spend an hour at the gym every day and forget that their teeth matter, too! Dental problems can impact your overall well-being, so why not improve your oral care? By setting yourself up for success, you can prevent developing cavities and gum disease this year. Continue reading for 4 resolutions that will make your smile happy!
Resolution #1: Establish a Routine
If you don’t already have one in place, now’s an ideal opportunity to implement a consistent dental hygiene regimen. You should brush your teeth every morning while preparing for the day, and again at night before bed. Follow up each session by flossing to remove bacteria from around and below your gumline to avoid gum disease. Consistently removing toxic bacteria and leftover food particles reduces the likelihood of a dental dilemma.
Resolution #2: Eat a Well-Rounded Diet
It’s common to put on a few extra pounds over the holidays between the big family meals, home-baked cookies, and candy canes around every corner. As a result, a lot of people try to eat better in the new year to lose weight. Wholesome eating habits also benefit your pearly whites, making this resolution a win-win scenario. Leafy greens like broccoli and spinach are rich in vitamin D and calcium to strengthen your teeth and jaw, while citrus fruits and colorful veggies are full of vitamin C for gum health.
Resolution #3: Drink More Water
This is another idea that benefits your body as well as your mouth. As work and school pick up after the season, it’s easy to get caught up in the busy work of day-to-day life. It’s common for people to forget to drink water throughout the day if their mind is focused on other things. This can lead to dry mouth which allows dangerous germs to thrive. Sipping water regularly throughout the day rinses them away while simultaneously hydrating your system.
Resolution #4: See Your Dentist
It’s important to have a dental checkup every 6 months to catch any potential problems early. It’s possible to have gum disease or tooth decay and not know it, but your dentist knows what to look for and can repair any areas of concern. Plus, basic checkups frequently include a professional cleaning and an oral cancer screening at no additional charge. You can rest easy this year knowing your teeth are being looked after.
Incorporating your dental health into your New Year’s resolutions can keep your smile beautiful and healthy all year long!
About the Author
Dr. Alison Fitzgerald is devoted to boosting patients’ self-esteem by helping them improve their oral condition. She attended the University of Arizona and the University of California, Davis for her undergraduate education. Then she earned her dental doctorate at the Creighton School of Dentistry. She provides a wide range of dental services to people of all ages from basic checkups to more complex procedures like orthodontics and implants. You’re welcome to request an appointment on the website or by calling (520) 338-2980.