There’s no better time to focus on building great new dental habits than at the start of the new year. Although committing to goals may seem daunting, the key is to make them attainable. If you’d like to preserve your natural smile and vow to have a cavity-free 2020, read on for four oral health-focused new year’s resolutions from your dentist.

Replace Your Toothbrush Every Three Months

Many people don’t know when they should change out their toothbrush. Although it doesn’t seem like a big deal, regularly switching to a new brush or electric toothbrush head helps reduce the transfer of harmful oral bacteria and protects you from becoming sick. The majority of dentists agree that you should change out your toothbrush every three months, because studies have shown that after that time has passed, they’re less effective at removing plaque and food debris.

A couple additional good rules to follow are to replace your toothbrush after each time you get sick and whenever the bristles begin to look frayed. That’s because germs can hide between the bristles and reinfect you, making you ill again.

Limit Your Consumption of Sweets

Committing to limiting how many sugary foods you eat can be a difficult goal to obtain, especially if you have a sweet tooth. Fortunately, you don’t have to completely cut them out. To improve your oral health and reduce your risk of cavities, simply be mindful of regularly snacking on sugary foods. When you do eat them, be sure to stay hydrated with water and regularly brush and floss to keep the sugar from accumulating in your mouth and attracting harmful oral bacteria.

Floss Daily

You may not be surprised to learn that a majority of adults don’t floss daily even though the American Dental Association recommends it to maintain healthy teeth and gums. If you regularly put off flossing because it’s difficult or too time consuming, try getting flossing picks or a water flosser. These tools make it easier to maneuver between each of your teeth and effectively remove food particles and plaque, reducing your risk of developing cavities and gum disease.

Get Dental Cleanings Every Six Months

An easy and important commitment to make in 2020 is to visit your dentist every six months for a professional checkup and cleaning. Routine preventive dental care will keep small oral health problems from becoming larger and more severe down the road. Your dentist will also be able to spot issues that may otherwise be hidden to you, such as impacted wisdom teeth, cavities, and signs of oral cancer. They’re professionally trained to be able to spot and treat common issues early, preventing them from permanently damaging your smile.

This 2020, commit to maintaining your oral and overall health by building these four new dental habits. They will reduce your risk of developing issues and keep your smile looking beautiful and feeling great. Plus, with regular preventive care, you’ll be able to spend less time fussing about dental emergencies and more time doing what you enjoy with the people you love!

About the Author

Dr. Warren Zahner has decades of experiencing helping his patients maintain healthy and beautiful smiles that they’re able to enjoy for a lifetime. He strives to stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in his field so he can better serve his patients, which is why he’s an active member of several professional organizations. He also enjoys working with patients of all ages and providing them with the tools they need to optimize their oral health. For questions or to schedule a checkup and cleaning, visit Zahner Dental’s website or call 860-870-9031.