With 2024 finally arriving, plenty of people are coming up with New Year’s resolutions to improve their quality of life. While there are numerous things to consider, such as traveling abroad or changing certain habits, one simple way to enhance your well-being is to practice steps for avoiding oral health issues, such as gum disease and cavities. Read on to learn five easy resolutions for a healthier smile this year and beyond!
Floss In the Morning & Before Bed
Did you know that about a third of all Americans don’t floss? Although brushing is crucial for keeping your teeth clean, it won’t be able to help address the spaces between them. By flossing after you wake up and before going to sleep, you can ensure that your smile is clear of any food, debris, and bacteria buildup along the gum line.
Brush Your Smile After Lunch
While scrubbing your teeth in the morning and evening is a great way to freshen your smile, your pearly whites can always use a nice cleaning during your day—especially after eating. Since lunch is one of the biggest meals, you’ll want to consider brushing afterward. Leaving your teeth caked in food particles can increase your risk of cavities later on. If you don’t have enough free time to do so, chewing on sugar-free gum can be an effective way to keep your smile fresh by stimulating saliva production and removing debris.
Rinse with Antibacterial Mouthwash Regularly
Brushing and flossing are essential parts of daily teeth cleaning, but washing out all the nooks and crannies in your mouth can still be difficult with these two methods alone. That’s why rinsing with mouthwash is a great way to get rid of debris, food particles, and bacteria that you can’t reach on your own. Be sure to swish with an antibacterial mouth rinse for at least 30-60 seconds before going to bed so you can wake up with a fresher smile.
Munch on Vitamin-Rich Foods
Starting a change in diet is one of the most common New Year’s resolutions you can think of. For this reason, it would be a good idea to start adding some healthier food options to your daily meals. By sticking to more a nutrient-dense diet, such as fruits, vegetables, and lean meats, you can help promote a stronger and healthier smile in the long run.
Schedule Routine Dental Checkups & Cleanings
Last but not least, visiting your dentist every six months is one of the most crucial ways to protect and improve your teeth and gums. Not only will they be able to thoroughly clean and polish your pearly whites, but they will also address any developing issues before they get worse. This means you’ll be able to avoid more serious and costly problems, such as decay, gum disease, or infection.
With these simple New Year’s resolutions, you can be sure to make the most of this month and beyond with a better and brighter smile! Speak with your dentist if you have any questions, and they’ll be happy to help you reach your dental goals.
About the Author
With her passion for treating and improving smiles, Dr. Shaheera Afzal is proud to help patients achieve their best smiles with effective treatments. As a member of the American Dental Association and Ohio Dental Association, she has extensive training in multiple dental services and would be happy to help you reach your oral health goals. If you want to know more about maintaining your pearly whites or wish to schedule your next appointment, visit our website or call us at 614-792-1800.