The new year has arrived, which means you’ve likely already begun tossing around ideas for resolutions. While some people go the exercise and diet route, others look towards financial goals. Set yourself apart from the rest with attainable resolutions that boost your oral health, helping you minimize your need for extensive dental treatments throughout the year, save money on costly visits, and smile more confidently than ever before. Read on for three resolutions you can implement in 2024 for a healthier, happier smile.
Don’t Forget to Floss
A survey administered by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that over half of adults in the United States don’t floss their teeth daily despite it being a recommended practice to maintain healthy teeth and gums. Food debris and plaque can become lodged between the teeth, building up and leading to a variety of concerns, like cavities, gum disease, and even bad breath.
If you’re included in the millions of adults that don’t floss daily, make a change in the new year by flossing your teeth at least once a day. If you find it difficult to complete this oral hygiene task, you could always invest in flossing picks or a water flosser to make it faster and easier.
Cut Down on Sugary Beverages Like Soda & Juice
Sugar feeds harmful oral bacteria that cause cavities and gum disease, which is why sipping on beverages like juice, soda, or sports drinks, which are all high in sugar, can be so harmful to your smile. With time, this habit can lead to the decline of your oral health. Next time you go to the grocery store, try to find a new favorite drink to stock your kitchen with, whether it’s flavored bottled or sparkling water, or drops to add to your glass of water. These will help boost your oral health by rinsing away food debris and bad bacteria, all while keeping you hydrated.
Schedule Both of Your Checkups & Cleanings
If you have dental insurance, your plan likely covers two checkups and cleanings a year, so long as they’re scheduled six months or more apart. These visits are crucial to maintaining healthy teeth and gums, as they allow your dentist and hygienist to spot and treat the early signs of cavities and other oral health issues before they have a chance to become worse. Receiving a professional cleaning every six months also helps limit plaque and tartar accumulation, curbing the threat of gum disease and decay.
About the Author
Dr. J. Robert Donnelly is a passionate and highly experienced dentist who values staying up to date with the latest techniques and technology. He has completed over 1,600 hours of continuing education across 16 different dental disciplines, allowing him to provide patients with high-quality care that’s truly comprehensive. He enjoys spending time educating his patients on how to maintain good oral health and was recognized in Texas Monthly as a “Texas Super Dentist” in 2020. For questions or to schedule an appointment, visit Sane Marcos Gentle Dental’s website or call 512-396-5225.