If you’re like most people, you’re trying to look for ways to save money in the new year. Maybe you’re also struggling to come up with a New Year’s resolution that will benefit your overall wellness. Why not kill two birds with one stone by resolving to improve your dental health in 2022? By following these four simple New year’s resolutions, you can enjoy a healthy smile and a heavy wallet for the rest of this year and many more to come!
1. Floss Every Day
Starting a flossing routine can feel daunting at first, but once you get into the habit, it should become second nature. You should clean between your teeth at least once a day. It’s the only way to remove lingering food debris and plaque from these spaces, and if they’re left behind, they could contribute to gum disease and tooth decay, both of which can be expensive to treat. It may help to start by flossing just one tooth, then two teeth, and gradually working your way up toward cleaning between each of your teeth.
2. Eat a Mouth-Healthy Diet
New Year’s resolutions often involve changing your dietary habits, but this one focuses on improving your oral health rather than losing weight. That being said, many foods that benefit your overall health also benefit your mouth. For example, calcium strengthens your teeth and jawbone, while vitamin C promotes healthy gums. Be sure to add plenty of calcium-rich dairy products and fresh fruits and vegetables to your diet.
Additionally, foods and beverages that could harm the rest of the body are also bad for your oral health. Try to eat sugary sweets and starchy items like potato chips in moderation, as overconsumption could cause cavities. If you’re going to eat these foods, rinse your mouth with water afterward; it minimizes the sugars left on your teeth, giving cavity-causing bacteria less fuel.
3. Visit Your Dentist at Least Twice This Year
The best way to avoid the need for pricey dental procedures is to prevent oral health conditions from developing in the first place. In addition to keeping up with your at-home oral hygiene, you’ll also need to attend a dental checkup and cleaning every six months. These regular visits give your dentist the chance to look over your mouth with their highly trained eyes. They can spot early signs of cavities, infections, and other problems long before they would have caused you pain. From there, your dentist can treat these issues as soon as possible with conservative, cost-effective procedures.
4. Quit Smoking
It’s no secret that smoking can stain your teeth, but it can do so much worse than that. Tobacco causes dry mouth, which increases your risk for gum disease. It also slows down your body’s healing rate, making it harder to fight off an oral infection. Not to mention, smoking leads to a plethora of problems for your overall health. If you need help finally kicking the habit, don’t be afraid to ask your dentist. They won’t judge you; they’ll point you toward the right resources to help you quit smoking and enjoy a healthier smile.
The start of a new year is the perfect time to create habits that will benefit your well-being as well as your bank account. By following these four New Year’s resolutions, your smile will thank you for the rest of 2022 and beyond!
About the Practice
At The Dental Center of Jacksonville, our dentists are dedicated to helping families in Jacksonville, FL and the surrounding areas enjoy happy, healthy smiles year-round. We encourage patients to take a proactive approach to their oral health, so we’d love to help you keep your New Year’s resolutions for a healthy smile. To learn more, you can contact us online or by calling (904) 262-9466.