The year is almost over, and soon you’ll be thinking about how to tackle 2022! Have you already set your goals for the new year? Here is one resolution you can make and easily keep—improve your oral health. Many studies have found that those with an unhealthy mouth are much more likely to have serious medical issues like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, kidney disease, and much more. Fortunately, keeping your smile healthy involves small, yet essential, tasks you can easily implement in your life this coming year.
Maintain Daily Oral Care
No matter how busy your schedule is in the new year, be sure that you fit in your oral hygiene routine every single day; this entails brushing for two full minutes twice and flossing once daily. These simple habits go a long way to make sure that food particles, plaque, and bacteria don’t have a chance to settle and form on your teeth and harm your smile.
If you need extra help keeping this resolution, there are plenty of methods at your disposal. For instance, you can set an alarm reminding you to floss before you go to bed. You could also use a timer on your phone or a kitchen timer to ensure you brush for two minutes.
Floss
It may seem like a small thing, but flossing has an important impact on your smile. Not only is it a great way to keep your breath fresh it may lower the risk of heart disease by keeping inflammation-causing bacteria under control. This year, try to floss every day to keep your teeth and gums clear of plaque.
Choose Water
Perhaps you’re a fan of soda, but did you know that this beverage is damaging to your mouth and body? It can harm your teeth in multiple ways. Not only do they have sugars that fuel bacteria but they can stain your pearly whites. Water, on the other hand, contains no sugar and helps to wash away bacteria and food particles. If you do indulge in juice, sports drinks, or soda, chase it with some water to reduce the impact on your smile. As much as possible, make the healthier choice by reaching for water rather than a sugary drink.
Avoid Sugary, Carb-Filled Foods
Unfortunately, you may have indulged in many holiday treats that put your smile at risk of decay, infection, or damage. For example, sticky foods like caramels, peanut brittle, and pecan pie tend to adhere to teeth, making it easier for acid-producing bacteria to access the enamel and gum tissue. Candy canes, which remain in your mouth for longer periods of time also provide fuel for these bacteria. In addition, foods that contain a lot of carbohydrates break down into sugar, so it’s best to limit your carb consumption to help your waistline as well as your smile.
Visit the Dentist Regularly
If you aren’t doing so already, you need to go to your dentist’s office at least every six months for checkups and cleanings. You can be diligent in your at-home care, but plaque can still form in hard-to-reach places. Plus, your trained dentist can spot issues before they cause trouble for your smile, saving you time, expense, and pain later on.
Ultimately, you should consider making goals and resolutions that you can maintain throughout the year. Protecting your mouth from decay and infection is a great way to help you stay healthy overall. Be ready to smile through whatever 2022 brings your way!
About Beach Dental
At Beach Dental, Dr. Alexis Gersten and Dr. Jason Parli provide truly comprehensive dental care for families from all over Long Island, including East Quogue, Manorville, and beyond. Each dentist has years of experience and specialized training to handle even the most complex procedures, but they also enjoy helping patients avoid decay and infection through routine preventive care. If you have oral healthcare questions, you can contact Dr. Gersten or Dr. Parli at Beach Dental by calling (631) 325-0731 or clicking here.