New Year’s Dental Health Resolutions

Good oral health is an important part of your overall wellness, and New Years is an excellent time to think about improving your health. If you want to take better care of your teeth and gums this year, here are some resolutions that will help you get there.

Schedule a Dental Appointment

According to the American Dental Association (ADA) Mouth Healthy website, about one third of adults in the United States do not see a dentist annually. Yet, regular screenings and cleanings are one of the best things you can do to take proper care of your teeth.

Some people will wait until they develop certain conditions, such as bleeding gums or tooth sensitivity before seeing a dentist. However, even if your teeth feel fine, it is just as important to make that appointment before these conditions occur. To make scheduling easier:

• Schedule a reminder on your phone or mark it on your calendar to call your dentist and schedule an appointment on January 2.
• Schedule your next appointment immediately after your visit, so you do not forget about it.
• Ask the appointment secretary if they can give you a reminder call a few days prior to your next appointment.

Floss Once per Day

Brushing your teeth twice a day is a good start, but it is not enough to remove all the bits of food from between your teeth or the plaque that builds up on them.  To take the best care of your teeth, you need to floss. Keep your floss with your toothpaste, so you don’t forget to use it.

Reduce your Sugar Intake

A recent study has shown there is a direct link between how much sugar you consume and how much tooth decay you have. Replace some of your sugary treats with dental healthy foods such as dairy products, which are high in calcium, and fibrous foods, which actually help clean your teeth. Some excellent choices include:

• Cheese
• Yogurt
• Fortified Tofu
• Broccoli
• Apples
• Almonds
• Green Beans
• Canned Fish

Quit Smoking

According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), smoking doubles your risk for gum disease. Talk to your doctor for advice on the best way to quit, and when cravings hit, find a healthy activity to take its place.

Take things one step at a time, and after awhile, your new resolutions will become part of your daily routine. Here’s to a great 2017 for everyone!