2020 is in the rearview mirror, and it’s time to celebrate a fresh start in 2021. You don’t need to make all of your New Year’s resolutions nearly unreachable goals. Sometimes, by altering small pieces of your daily routine, like making sure you eat breakfast, or not forgetting to floss your teeth, you can make strides in enhancing your physical wellness. It may come as a surprise, but some of the most underrated resolutions are ones having to do with your oral health. This is because your mouth can affect the rest of your body’s health. Read on to learn about five easy-to-commit-to New Year’s oral health resolutions.
Schedule Your Dental Appointment
If you haven’t seen your dentist within the last six months for a checkup and cleaning, it’s definitely time to do so! The American Dental Association recommends visiting your dentist for routine preventive examinations to ensure that your teeth and gums stay healthy. They’ll also be able to diagnose and treat any small, lingering oral problems before they have a chance to progress.
Commit to Flossing Every Day
Even if you brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes, you still need to floss. Food debris and plaque can become wedged between your teeth, attracting harmful oral bacteria and hardening into tartar. These substances can result in gum disease and cavity development, which can progress into tooth infections if they’re not treated in a timely manner. By flossing every day, you’ll be removing this debris and keeping oral health issues from arising.
Cut Back on Sugary Snacks
This may be obvious to say, but sugary snacks aren’t good for your dental health. Sugar attracts harmful bacteria that consume it for fuel. They then release it in the form of a couple of different types of waste, toxins that can cause gum disease and inflammation, and acid that erodes your enamel. Avoid excessively consuming sugary foods in 2021 and maintain better oral health!
Kick Bad Oral Habits
Tobacco use and nail-biting are two terrible habits for your teeth and gums. Tobacco can cause dry-mouth and drastically increase your risk of developing oral cancer. Nail-biting can introduce bacteria in your mouth and cause infections. It can also put you at a higher risk of breaking or chipping a tooth. By making an effort to break these habits, you’ll be able to avoid a stressful trip to the emergency dentist’s office.
Maintain a Nutritious Diet & Stay Hydrated
There are several mouth-healthy foods that you can incorporate into your diet to improve the health of your teeth and gums, like fresh fruits and vegetables that naturally clear away plaque when you chew them and drinks that kill cavity-causing bacteria. Some great snacks and drinks to consume to keep your smile healthy include celery, yogurt, green tea, sugar-free gum, leafy greens, and white dairy products. In addition to these foods, be sure to regularly rinse away debris by staying hydrated with water throughout the day!
With these five New Year’s oral health resolutions, you’ll be able to drastically enhance your oral and overall wellness in 2021. When you feel healthier and better, it’ll show in everything you do!
About the Author
Dr. Anthony Giamberardino has decades of experience as a dentist, and he’s more passionate about providing care to families in Medford than ever before. He offers a wide range of comprehensive dental services, including everything from checkups and cleanings to implant-retained restorations. He’s also proud to make dental care affordable and accessible by accepting insurance. For questions or to schedule an appointment, visit Giamberardino Dental Care’s website or call 781-396-3800.