In this blog from Waco Dental, we explain 5 dental health resolutions you should keep for a healthier mouth.
What Are 5 Dental Health Resolutions For A Healthier Mouth?
People want to be happier and healthier in 2023. Instead of setting the same physical health goals for yourself, try committing to improving your oral health. After all, it is just as important as staying in shape.
Yellow teeth and gum disease are not the only risks you face if you do not have good oral hygiene habits. Oral health problems have been linked to other serious medical conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, dementia, and respiratory infections. The 5 new year’s resolutions you should follow for a healthy smile are:
- Practice good oral hygiene
- Make water your favorite beverage
- Avoid processed foods
- Remember when you last visited the dentist
- Get the dental care you need
Practice Good Oral Hygiene
Your smile is usually the first thing people notice about you. Brushing and flossing your teeth daily protects your dental health. Brushing twice a day and flossing daily can keep bad bacteria and plaque at bay, freshen your breath, and make you feel better about showing off your smile.
A good way to ensure you brush your teeth properly is to buy an electric-powered toothbrush with the proper built-in technology. You can also buy a manual toothbrush with soft bristles and use a timer to make sure you brush for the full two minutes. Flossing and brushing only takes a few minutes a day, and once you get into the habit, it’s easy to maintain!
Make Water Your Favorite Beverage
The health benefits of staying properly hydrated apply to both your smile and your body. Keeping the pH in your mouth at the right level is critical to maintaining a healthy smile. Any acid weakens teeth, making them more prone to tooth decay. You can minimize damage by minimizing the amount of time the acid is in contact with your teeth. Drinking water with meals helps flush harmful food particles from your teeth and returns your mouth to a neutral pH faster than other drinks. This will make your mouth and your dentist happy.
Avoid Processed Foods
When it comes to nutrition, foods that are good for your body are also good for your smile. Unlike unprocessed whole foods, processed foods tend to be higher in sugar so they break down faster in the mouth and body into harmful sugars. Sugar and acid on your teeth can speed up the plaque build-up process that leads to tooth decay.
Many fruits, vegetables, and grains contain vitamins and minerals that are like superfoods for your teeth. Whole fruits and vegetables also tend to be higher in fiber and crunchy, which helps to clean your teeth naturally as you eat. More chewy foods means more chewing, which produces more saliva, the body’s natural way of restoring the pH of the mouth.
Remember When You Last Visited The Dentist
Every day we see patients who cannot believe that it has been over 6 months since their last visit to the dentist. Time flies! You may not realize how late you are with your dental checkup or cleaning. Your team at Waco Dental will be happy to verify the date of your last visit and book a cleaning or dental appointment if necessary.
Get The Dental Care You Need
Whether you want to improve the appearance of your smile or need to restore the health of your teeth, following these 5 dental resolutions is important. At Waco Dental, we’re committed to providing comfort-focused care to help keep your teeth healthy. It is time to get the smile you want with our wide range of cosmetic, general, and restorative dental services available. Dr. Martin has 16 years of experience in dental treatments such as white fillings, crowns, bridges, veneers, implants, dentures and partials, root canals, extractions, and Invisalign. Call and schedule an appointment today at 254-754-3505 or visit our Waco, TX location.
