For some, the New Year is a time to make changes to improve their physical or mental health, do more things that bring them joy, or otherwise boost their quality of life. If your goal for the new year is to take care of your body and improve your financial situation, taking better care of your smile may be the best New Year’s resolution you can make! Read on to get four ideas for 2023 intention for healthier teeth and gums.
Substitute More Tooth-Healthy Foods in Your Diet
You likely heard as a child that sweets cause cavities, but do you know exactly why? Harmful oral bacteria love to feed off of sugars and carbohydrates, fueling them to erode teeth, cause sensitivity, and lead to other oral health problems like gum disease. In the new year, try limiting the bacteria buffet in your mouth by substituting more tooth-healthy foods, drinking more water, and chewing sugar-free gum to help your saliva wash away any lingering debris!
Be Better About Flossing
An estimated 58% of people don’t floss at all while 47% floss only once a week, according to a survey of 1,700 patients conducted by Spotlight Oral Care, even though the American Dental Association recommends flossing once a day to maintain healthy teeth and gums. If you’re guilty of not flossing daily, you can improve your smile’s health by investing in some new oral hygiene products to make this task a little easier, like a water flosser or flossing picks. If you regularly forget to floss, try setting a reminder on your phone or incorporating into your routine each night before you brush.
Schedule Your Two Checkups & Cleanings in 2023
Did you know that most insurance plans cover the complete cost of two checkups and cleanings with your dentist each year, even if you haven’t paid your whole deductible yet? If this is the case with your insurance plan, take the time to care for your smile by planning and attending these two important appointments! They can help fight off small oral health problems before they have an opportunity to develop into something more serious.
Work Towards Quitting Bad Oral Habits
Smoking and using other tobacco products as well as excessive drinking are linked to diseases like oral cancer, along with other health conditions. One of the best gifts you could give yourself this year is a clean bill of health, which is more likely to be achieved when you cut these bad habits out of your life. Know that this resolution is long-term, and while it may take some time to achieve, starting slow and making gradual progress can make a world of difference.
2023 is a time for change! With the right attitude and dedication, you can commit to improving the quality of not just your smile, but also your life. These four tooth-friendly resolutions could easily be a big step towards getting you to where you want to be!
About the Practice
At Roselle Park Dental & Implants, our team does more than just restore missing teeth—we also work closely with patients to help them improve their smiles and maintain good oral health. In addition to offering routine checkups and cleanings for adults and children, we also provide other preventive services, like dental sealants and oral cancer screenings. To schedule a routine checkup and cleaning to kick off the new year, visit our website or call 908-245-1745.