Well, there’s no denying it now – 2024 is finally here! A new year has started with new goals to achieve. That said, don’t just focus on weight loss or career prospects. Now is a great time to form New Year’s resolutions for a healthier smile. That way, your grin will thrive these next twelve months. If you’d like, your Temple dentist will even offer a few. Read on to learn four great resolutions that lead to clean teeth and gums.
Brush & Floss Daily
Naturally, one obvious resolution is to brush and floss daily. This habit will ensure your whole mouth works well.
Remember, oral hygiene is crucial to dental health. Daily brushing and flossing remove plaque and bad mouth bacteria. In doing so, they reduce your risk of tooth decay and gum disease. You’ll then be less likely to have toothaches or bleeding gums.
(Ensure you get a soft-bristled toothbrush (manual or electric) and toothpaste for the brushing. Similarly, use proper dental floss or a threader when flossing.)
Stop Smoking
Another way to improve your grin is to quit smoking. Aside from harming your heart and lungs, this practice ruins your oral health.
You see, tobacco can do a serious number on your mouth. Ingesting it will often cause major teeth stains and gum disease. Worse yet, the material can trigger oral cancer. You’d then need to undergo surgery or radiation therapy.
Go Easy On Alcohol
Like smoking, binge drinking will harm your internal organs. Still, limiting your alcohol is also a good resolution for your smile.
In reality, drinking too much is bad for oral health. The habit often results in a dry mouth, leading to a buildup of harmful bacteria. You’ll then be at greater risk of tooth decay. Adding insult to injury, excess alcohol can weaken your immune system and trigger gum disease.
See Your Dentist More Often
Now that it’s January, consider getting a dental checkup. Seeing your dentist more often will greatly improve your grin.
To be clear, dental checkups are top-tier preventive care. They let your dentist assess your mouth and prevent dental issues. Also, the visits ensure pre-existing oral problems don’t get worse. Either way, these checkups will help you avoid painful tooth and gum challenges.
With these four practices, you’ll have several New Year’s resolutions for a healthier smile. Should you want to learn more, see your local dental provider.
About the Author
Dr. Richard Fossum is a top dentist based in Temple, TX. Since earning his DDS from the UTHealth School of Dentistry, he’s worked in the field for nearly thirty years. That means Dr. Fossum is skilled in preventive, cosmetic, and restorative work, as well as oral emergency care. He also belongs to the American Dental Association. Today, Dr. Fossum practices at his self-titled clinic and is reachable on his website and by phone at (254)-778-3900.