Once you’ve shouted “Happy New Year”, shared a celebratory smooch, and sung Auld Lang Syne, it’s time to turn your eyes to the future and begin thinking about how you’re going to improve your life in the new year. For some, this means adding diet and exercise to the mix. Others will commit to financial recovery and starting a rainy-day fund.
However, if you enjoy sharing a New Year’s kiss annually, you might want to make this the year that you focus on your oral health. With a beautiful, healthy smile, you’re sure to get more interest when the ball drops. Here are a few dental health resolutions for 2018 that will keep your smile in good shape into 2019 and beyond.
Practice Proper Oral Hygiene
You brush twice daily to combat food and bacteria buildup. Isn’t that enough? It’s a good start, but you also need to make sure you floss and rinse with mouthwash to get food particles and bacteria that linger between teeth and under the gum line, causing untold damage in areas you can’t easily reach with a toothbrush.
Say Ta-ta to Tobacco
Giving up cigarettes, chew, or other forms of tobacco is not only great for your overall health, but it can lead to marked improvements in oral health, as well. In addition to reducing the risks for oral cancer, quitting tobacco can reduce destructive dry mouth, put a stop to staining, and give you the chance to restore a beautiful and healthy smile.
Eat Right
You might be on board to do this for health and weight loss reasons, but you’ll be happy to hear your diet can do double duty when you focus on foods that promote good oral health. When you cut back on sugar and add crunchy fruits and veggies (apples, carrots, celery, etc.) to your diet, you can reduce bacteria and tooth decay while improving overall health.
Add Your Dentist to the Schedule
If you own a car, you probably service it regularly to ensure the engine doesn’t run out of oil and seize up. If you own a home, you might schedule annual gutter cleaning and service for your HVAC system to maintain your investment and keep your home cozy and clean.
You’re willing to maintain your property, so why not your body? According to the American Dental Association (ADA), about a third of people fail to see their dentist annually, much less multiple times a year. Make 2018 the year you make a change that benefits your oral health and helps you to maintain the beautiful, functional, and healthy smile you deserve. Schedule a dental visit today.
