All of us resolve to make our lives better and improve ourselves at the start of the New Year. The most common New Year’s Resolutions include wanting to:
- Save more money/spend less money
Learn a new skill
Exercise more
Get organized
Eat healthier
Lose weight
Read more
Stress less
We applaud you if you’ve set any of these excellent goals. But we also encourage you to think about adding some dental resolutions to your list this year. Read on for a few ideas!
1. Drink More Water
Drinking more water helps to wash away acids that dissolve tooth enamel and allows for an adequate production of saliva. It helps prevent staining, bad breath, and cavities. Drinking more water for your dental health also has corollary benefits for your overall wellness–hydration is essential for all body functions so you’ll also start to feel healthier and more energized!
2. Brush Your Teeth for 2 Minutes 2 Times a Day
It’s important to brush your teeth twice a day, but for optimal dental health you must brush your teeth for the proper amount of time. Brushing twice a day for two minutes each time will promote healthier teeth, fresher breath, and fewer cavities. Be sure to brush your tongue every day too!
3. Floss More
Flossing helps to reverse gingivitis, and prevent periodontitis, tooth decay, and bad breath. Ideally we should all floss daily, but since we know many patients definitely do not floss every day, we recommend that you resolve to floss at least more often in the New Year. Start flossing a few times a week, then progress to every other day, and graduate to flossing every day.
4. Quit Smoking & Using Tobacco Products
The use of tobacco products is bad for your overall health as well as your oral health. Not only do they cause bad breath, poor wound healing, and mouth sores, but they can cause oral cancer! There are many free online tools to help assist you in quitting tobacco. Check out these resources on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention here!
5. Take the Plunge to Improve the Look of Your Smile
The New Year is as good a time as any to finally get that restorative dental work or cosmetic treatment you’ve been putting off. Do you need any cavities treated, dental crowns for cracked teeth, or dental implants to replace missing teeth? These procedures will restore the structure of your teeth and their alignment, which will lead to improved overall health. Moreover, cosmetic treatments like teeth whitening or porcelain veneers can give you a confidence boost to try even more bold and new things this year!
6. Visit Sullivan Family Dental Every 6 Months
This year, resolve to keep regular dental checkups and cleanings. At least every six months, come visit our friendly team at Sullivan Family Dental! If it’s been more than six months since your last cleaning, get in touch with our office. Dr. Sullivan and all of our team here look forward to helping you have superb oral health this year.
