The new year is just around the corner! Have you made any resolutions yet? Career success, weight loss, mending the family tree—these lofty goals are often hard to reach. However, there’s one resolution you can make that is easily achievable, and it can change your life. For 2020, it’s time to take care of your teeth and gums. Keep reading to find out some of the best dental habits you can get into for a clean, healthy, and beautiful smile.
Schedule Your Dental Appointments
When was the last time that you saw your dentist? The American Dental Association recommends that you see your dentist at least twice a year. However, studies show that 1/3 of Americans don’t make yearly dental visits. The routine checkups and dental cleanings are a vital part of preventing and detecting oral health problems before they become more severe. During the cleaning portion, a hygienist will be able to remove plaque and bacteria that couldn’t be reached on your own.
Drink More Water
It’s time to leave sugary beverages in 2019! Drinks like Gatorade, hot chocolate, soda, and energy drinks can dramatically raise your risk of tooth decay and cavities. These beverages coat your teeth with sugar that interacts with bacteria in the mouth to create acids. These acids are known for eating away at tooth enamel. Instead, reach for water. Most tap water contains fluoride, which is a naturally occurring mineral that fights cavities. Water also helps you by washing away plaque and lingering food debris, and it promotes saliva flow, decreasing your risk of tooth decay.
Commit to Brushing & Flossing
If you’ve been slacking on your brushing and flossing routine, it’s time to kick it into gear for 2020. Brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each session. You should also make sure to floss daily to remove plaque and food debris from in between your teeth. If you think about it, each of your teeth has 5 sides: the front, back, top, left side, and right side. If you don’t floss, you’re leaving 2 sides of each tooth at risk for cavities and decay, but you’re also increasing your chances of gum disease.
Avoid Sugary Foods
The holiday season is a popular time for sweets and treats. It’s okay to indulge, but when New Year’s is here, make it a resolution to cut down on the sugary snacks. Items like caramel, taffy, toffee, hard candies, and more can stick to your teeth for long periods of time, increasing your risk of cavities. While it’s best to cut sweets out of your diet altogether, remember that hard or sticky foods are especially dangerous for your smile.
Are you ready to have a healthy and happy 2020? Remember these tips to make stellar dental hygiene your New Year’s resolution.
Meet the Dentist
Dr. Dale Greer has been voted a Texas Super Dentist and “One of the Best Dentists in Dallas” by D Magazine. He believes in patient education. Which is why he wants to pass along these useful tips. For any questions, he can be reached through his website or by phone at (972) 233-4546.
