Believe it or not, 2021 is already here. As you create goals for the year ahead, make sure a healthy smile is at the top of your priority list. While you plan to exercise more often or pay off debt, don’t forget about your oral health. Here are 4 New Year’s resolutions to achieve a healthy smile.
1. Brush your teeth twice daily.
You’ve been told to brush your teeth twice a day from a young age; however, it’s easy to crawl into bed after a long day without reaching for your toothbrush. About one-third of adults don’t brush their teeth at night. If you’re among those who skip brushing before bed, you’re allowing harmful bacteria to grow in your mouth that can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. Even if you’re tired, it’s best to brush in the morning and at night. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and nonabrasive toothpaste to clean all surfaces of your teeth for at least two minutes each session.
2. Floss every night.
Even the perfect brushing techniques leave areas in your mouth uncleaned, like in between your teeth. The only way to remove plaque, bacteria, and food particles your toothbrush can’t reach is with nightly flossing. Unfortunately, one-third of adults never floss their teeth, which significantly increases the risk of gum disease. Although the infection is preventable, at least 50% of adults have gum disease. Not only is it the leading cause of tooth loss, but it can also negatively affect your general health. Your dentist in Ellington recommends using high-quality floss to clean between each tooth every night before going to bed to keep your gums healthy.
3. Cut back on sugary foods and drinks.
Everyone loves a sweet treat, but when sugar combines with your saliva, it creates an acidic plaque that can erode your enamel. You can keep tooth decay at bay by limiting your consumption of sugary foods and drinks. If you can’t ignore your sweet tooth, brush your teeth well afterward. If you can’t get to your toothbrush, rinse your mouth with water to cleanse your teeth.
4. Visit your dentist twice a year.
Besides your oral hygiene habits at home, the American Dental Association recommends you visit your dentist at least twice a year for a cleaning and checkup. Routine services allow your dentist to monitor your oral health to keep your smile healthy. By doing so, you lessen the risk of needing a costly treatment down the road to lower your overall oral health expenses.
Invest in a Healthy Smile in 2021
A few changes throughout the year can have a lasting impact on your dental health. Commit to your teeth and gums in 2021 to enjoy the healthy smile you deserve.
About Dr. Warren Zahner
If you need a dental appointment, don’t Google “dentist near me.” Instead, choose Dr. Zahner. Besides earning his dental degree at the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine, he has completed advanced training in many specialties to treat patients of all ages. Contact our office today to schedule an appointment.