If a healthier smile is one of the improvements you want to make in 2022, good for you! Optimal oral health is key to capturing the attention of others, maintaining better overall wellness, and even snagging that intriguing job opportunity you’ve been fighting for. But if you’re unsure where you should start, a dentist in the area is here to provide three New Year’s Resolutions you should add to your list that will keep your smile looking healthy and beautiful year-round.
Eat Healthier Foods
Your smile and your body can both benefit from a healthier diet. Swapping out those holiday sweets and starches for leafy greens, lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, and calcium-enriched foods will strengthen your tooth enamel, help combat tooth decay, and reduce your risk for gum disease. It’s not to say you can’t enjoy a cookie now and then, but you’ll need to monitor your consumption to ensure you don’t fall into bad habits and binge on unhealthy foods and beverages.
Stick to a Regular Routine
If you don’t have a regular oral hygiene routine, it’s time to establish one. Brushing your teeth twice a day for two full minutes, flossing at least once a day before bed, and rinsing with an antimicrobial mouthwash can eliminate bad bacteria and freshen your breath. Using a soft-bristled toothbrush can keep you from damaging your teeth and gum tissue, and fluoride toothpaste will help to strengthen tooth enamel while also lowering your risk for decay. By adhering to this type of regime each morning and night, you can set your smile up for great success in 2022.
Finally Kick the Habit
It doesn’t matter if you’ve been smoking a few months or 20 years, it’s time to kick the habit for good. You know the dangers of lung cancer and respiratory illness, but did you know smoking also increases your risk for gum disease and oral cancer? If you have dental implants or other restorations, it can also negatively impact their stability, potentially costing you time and money to try and fix. With so many valuable cessation resources available online and via local groups, you can find help to officially give up your bad habits and instead, embrace a healthier smile and healthier you.
Let 2022 be the year you take back your oral health. Start by incorporating these three tips into your daily routine and watch how different your smile will appear with each passing day.
About the Author
Dr. Sujal Patel and his team at Coco Dental Center want you to feel confident about your dental care. Offering patients exceptional services designed to improve, repair, and restore smiles, he also offers beneficial tips and advice on ways to maintain better oral health year-round. If you are looking to take back your oral health this year, contact us at (972) 629-9339.