5 New Year’s Resolutions for a Healthy Smile

Have you put any thought into your New Year’s resolutions for the coming year? Maybe you want to focus on being healthier by going to the gym a few days per week. Or maybe you want to finally book a flight to the city you’ve been dreaming of visiting for years. While these are both great resolutions, why not make one for your oral health? Keep reading for five ideas that will help you have a healthier smile.

#1: Visit the Dentist

Seeing your dentist once every six months is one of the best ways to care for your smile. These visits allow them to thoroughly examine your smile and determine if your teeth, jaw, gums, and tongue are in good condition. Your teeth will also be thoroughly cleaned during these visits. If any oral health issues are developing, your dentist will work with you to come up with a treatment plan.

#2: Brush and Floss Better

Brush your teeth for a full two minutes in the morning and again at night. Use a toothbrush that has soft bristles so you don’t accidentally scratch your tooth enamel. You should also use toothpaste that is non-abrasive and contains fluoride. Additionally, floss after your last meal of the day. This will get rid of food that has gotten stuck between your teeth as well as caked on plaque.

#3: Cut Out Bad Habits

Using tobacco products raises your risk of several kinds of cancer, including oral cancer. It also makes you more likely to develop oral health issues, like gum disease. To ensure the longevity of your smile, it’s best to cut this habit out. If you drink alcohol excessively, you should cut back to lower your risk of dry mouth. Speak with your dentist, doctor, or a mental health professional if you need help quitting.

#4: Cut Back on Sugar

If you eat a lot of sugary, starchy, and acidic foods, make a New Year’s resolution to cut back. All of these things are bad for your smile and can raise your risk of tooth decay. This is because the bacteria that cause cavities feed on the sugar in the foods you eat and release acids that weaken your enamel. This means that acidic foods also hurt your beam. Starchy foods break down into sugar in the mouth, so they harm your teeth in the same way as sweets.

#5: Eat A Tooth-Approved Diet

Instead of eating lots of sweets, incorporate more tooth-approved foods into your diet, including:

• Dairy products that are low-fat or fat-free, like cheese, milk, and yogurt
• Apples, carrots, celery, and other crisp, fresh fruits and veggies
• Fish, such as salmon, tuna, sardines, and mackerel
• Leafy greens, like spinach, lettuce, and kale
• Lean meats, such as chicken and turkey
• Brazil nuts, almonds, and cashews

In the new year, be sure to take better care of your beam than you have in the past. This will prevent the need for emergency dental visits so that you can enjoy the next 365 days to the fullest!

About the Practice

Dr. Purvesh Malaviya, Dr. Mrugank Sardhara, and their team at Avon Dental Group specialize in all things related to oral health. They offer treatments to both treat and prevent oral health problems as well as ones to give you a more gorgeous grin. They can also give you tips that will help you fulfill your New Year’s resolution to achieve a healthier smile. For more information about Avon Dental Group or to set up an appointment, call them at (508) 587-8300 or visit their website.