5 New Year’s Resolutions for Better Oral Health

Most people’s New Year’s resolutions have something to do with their health, whether that be mental or physical. However, a lot of people don’t consider taking care of their teeth and gums to be as important as hitting the gym. Since your dental health can affect your general health in many ways, it’s imperative that you take care of your mouth. Here are five ideas from a dentist for resolutions to keep your pearly whites shining brightly in the new year.

1. Schedule a Checkup and Cleaning

Did you know that seeing your dentist twice a year could save your life? That’s because at these appointments, your dentist checks for issues like cavities and gum disease. What starts out as a minor infection in the mouth could rapidly spread throughout the body. Gum disease in particular has been linked to general problems like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and Alzheimer’s. To keep your mouth and body healthy in the new year, set a reminder on your phone to schedule a checkup as soon as you can.

2. Quit Smoking

Tobacco use more than doubles your chance of developing gum disease, which can make your teeth loose and even cause them to eventually fall out. Not to mention the slew of other health risks associated with smoking or chewing tobacco. Ask your dentist or primary care physician for resources to help you kick the habit.

3. Floss Every Day

Flossing might not be the most fun activity, but committing to it every day could save your life in the same way that regular dental visits do. When you go without flossing, you let plaque build up between your teeth, increasing the likelihood that you’ll get tooth decay and gum disease. Set an alarm to remind you to floss every night before bed. Better yet, place your floss on your pillow so that you can’t go to bed without being reminded.

4. Cut Down on Sugar

There is a direct link between the amount of sugar you consume and the number of cavities you’ll have. The easiest way to cut back on sugar is to simply reduce the number of sugary treats you buy. Whenever you get a craving for something sweet, chew sugar-free gum instead. It will satisfy your desire while also cleaning your teeth.

5. Eat a More Mouth-Healthy Diet

Reducing your sugar intake requires that you make some substitutes. Consume plenty of dairy products like milk, cheese, and low-fat yogurt because they’re rich in calcium and phosphates, both of which strengthen your teeth. Also, remember to eat your fruits and vegetables, as their fibrous skins naturally clean your teeth as you chew them.

Any one of these suggestions would be a great New Year’s resolution. Try implementing all five of them to really let your smile shine!

About the Author

Dr. Anita Kianimanesh is a graduate of Nova Southeastern School of Dentistry. She has been working in the oral health field for more than a decade now. Her professional memberships include the Academy of General Dentistry, the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, and the Spear Education Study Club. She understands the important between oral and overall health. If you’re in the Falls Church, VA area and want to see a dentist who cares, you can contact Dr. Kiani at (703) 998-4244.