There’s no time like the beginning of a new year to think of new ways to improve yourself. Many people’s New Year’s resolutions involve overall health goals, like exercising more often. While your mouth seems like a minor part of your body, it’s important that your teeth and gums stay in good condition. Building good oral health habits in January can set you up for a year with fewer dental visits and expenses. Here are four easy tips to maintain a healthy smile in 2021.
1. Start Flossing Every Day
According to recent research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, only 3 out of every 10 Americans flosses every day. Although this habit may seem annoying and time-consuming, it’s absolutely essential if you want to keep your smile healthy. If you don’t floss, then food particles remain in between your teeth, attracting bacteria that cause cavities, gum disease, and other health issues. That’s why the American Dental Association suggests flossing at least once a day.
2. Stick to a Mouth-Healthy Diet
Many people aren’t aware that consuming large amounts of sugar and carbohydrates fuels harmful oral bacteria and increases the risk of tooth decay. To minimize this risk, swap out some processed sugars for more nutritious alternatives, such as:
- Calcium-rich foods like milk, cheese, yogurt, and almonds strengthen your tooth enamel.
- Phosphorous, which is found in fish, lean meats, and beans, lowers your risk of cavities.
- Vitamin C, which you can find in citrus fruits, spinach, potatoes, and tomatoes, can help prevent gum disease.
Not to mention, these foods will boost your overall health.
3. Kick Bad Oral Habits
Many of us know that habits like smoking, nail-biting, and teeth grinding are bad for our oral health. Some studies suggest that smoking can more than double your risk for gum disease. Teeth grinding and nail-biting place strain on your teeth, weakening them and making them more vulnerable to cavities and sensitivity. Quitting these habits may be hard, but your dentist may have tips to help you.
4. Upgrade Your Oral Hygiene Gear
Purchasing new dental hygiene products may seem frivolous to some. However, the right toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash, or floss can prevent oral health problems and lower your dental bills in the long run. Try asking your dentist for recommendations for products that can help.
These New Year’s resolutions can help you maintain a healthy smile in 2021 and beyond. Don’t forget to schedule your next dental checkup and cleaning early in the year to learn more tips and tricks for keeping your smile bright!
About the Author
Dr. William Poe earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree in 1988 from the University of Southern California Dental School. Since then, he has become a Fellow of the International College of Cranio-Mandibular Orthopedics and has obtained a Masters in Orthodontics from the Straight Wire Seminars for Orthodontics. Due to his advanced training, he is able to meet the dental needs of patients of all ages in the Los Alamitos, CA community. To learn more about keeping your smile healthy in the new year, visit Dr. Poe’s website or call his office at (562) 594-5067.