Annual Ambitions: 3 New Year’s Resolutions for Dental Health

If you’re like more than half of American adults, you plan to ring in the New Year by making at least one resolution. Many people choose to improve their general well-being by spending more time at the gym to build muscle or lose weight but neglect their dental condition.

Your teeth are essential for eating, speaking, and smiling genuinely, so caring for them correctly is important. Continue reading to learn more about 3 resolutions that can help you build a happy, healthy smile this year!

Goal #1: Enhance Your Routine

You may already know that brushing twice daily removes plaque and bacteria that contribute to common dental problems like cavities, gum disease, and injuries. However, it only addresses about 50% of the sticky residue; flossing is recommended to remove anything that has gathered between your teeth or below your gums. Despite this, only about 40% of Americans floss every day, and an estimated 20% don’t floss at all.

Although the exact reasons for this are unknown, it’s believed that part of the cause could be bleeding gums. If your connective tissues ooze or hurt when you floss, it’s natural to want to avoid making it a habit. Unfortunately, if you’re feeling tender, you may already have developed gum disease and should floss more regularly to stop it from progressing. You should also call your dentist for a checkup to address any areas of concern.

Goal #2: Eat Wholesome Foods

It’s tempting to indulge in the many decadent meals and tasty treats shared over the holiday season. While this might have satisfied your sweet tooth, it could also have hurt your grin. Many seasonal favorites, like cocoa and candy canes, are full of sugar that attracts enamel-eroding microbes.

If you want to reverse any harm you might have done over the past few weeks, you can fill your plate with foods that support your dental condition instead. For example, dairy products like cheese and yogurt contain calcium for strong teeth and bones. Meanwhile, many citrus fruits and leafy greens have lots of vitamin C to support your connective tissues. As a bonus, eating less sugar can also slim your waist!

Goal #3: Drink More Water

Drinking water is often an underrated habit, but filling your system with H2O benefits your dental and overall condition. It has a neutral pH balance and can counteract potential acid damage from the foods you eat to preserve your enamel, reducing the likelihood of damage or decay. It also rinses away bits of food and other debris and prevents dry mouth so germs don’t flourish.

Furthermore, it hydrates your body so your systems can function at their peak. It supports blood and lymph circulation, removes waste, and reduces inflammation so you can fight illnesses and infections, including gum disease.

Making these simple adjustments to your habits and routines can support your dental and overall health and set you up for success this year!

About the Practice

Patients at Dental Expressions benefit from a husband-and-wife dental duo who share 20+ years of combined experience. They offer a wide range of services to meet you and your family’s needs at one convenient location. Whether you need basic preventative care or a more complex procedure, they can help. They combine a compassionate approach with state-of-the-art equipment to identify problem areas and customize treatments to address them. You can request an appointment on the website or call (920) 788-6280.