If you’re beginning to plan your list of New Year resolutions, don’t forget to add oral health goals to your list! When it comes to healthy teeth and gums, the little habits you practice day in and day out really do make a difference, and that means eating the right foods and avoiding foods and drinks that contribute to tooth decay and gum disease. Here are a few ways you can maintain good oral health in the coming year.
- Cut down on sugar. This first resolution should come as no surprise. We all know that sugar can lead to tooth decay. As it turns out, everyone loves sweet treats, and that includes the bacteria that lives inside your mouth. Sugar feeds that bad bacteria, and that means trouble for both your teeth and your gums.
- Eat more fresh produce. Not only will your overall health benefit from this resolution; your oral health will as well. While all types of fruits and vegetables can provide an abundance of vitamins and minerals, some are especially good for your teeth and gums. Apples and carrots, for example, help to clean your teeth and stimulate the flow of saliva, which works to wash away leftover food particles. Onions are great for your gums since they work to neutralize bad bacteria that can lead to gum disease.
- Enjoy more green tea. Some studies indicate that green tea, which is rich in antioxidants, can help to reduce the amount of inflammation in a person’s body, and that includes inflammation of the gums. Enjoying one cup of green tea each day is an excellent resolution to add to your list.
- Increase your calcium intake. Promise yourself to enjoy more yogurt, cheese and milk. Not only do these tasty treats contain more calcium; they also contain a protein called casein that neutralizes the acidity in your mouth. Left unchecked, acids can damage tooth enamel and harm gum tissue.
Of course, it goes without saying that the other important factor in maintaining good oral health is to follow a daily oral hygiene routine of brushing at least twice a day and flossing at least once a day. Just as important is making sure to visit your dentist at least twice a year for professional cleanings and exams. Following that routine, in addition to enjoying healthy foods and drinks, will help to make sure that you enjoy great oral health in the upcoming year.
