It’s that time of year again – when we make resolutions to better ourselves in the new year. And one resolution that should never be overlooked is taking care of your oral health. After all, your teeth and gums are key to a happy and healthy smile! With that in mind, here are 10 New Year’s resolutions you can make today to get great oral health for 2023 and beyond. From brushing twice daily to visiting the dentist regularly, we’ll be covering it all—so read on for everything you need to know!
Floss Regularly
The best way to prevent gum disease is to floss daily. Flossing helps remove plaque, the sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on teeth can only be removed with floss. When left on teeth, plaque turns into tartar, a hardened substance that brushing cannot remove. Regular flossing not only helps prevent gum disease, but can also reverse gingivitis, the early stage of gum disease.
To floss correctly, use about 18 inches of floss and wind most of it around each middle finger. Hold the floss tightly between your thumbs and index fingers. Gently guide the floss between your teeth using a back-and-forth motion. Be careful not to snap the floss into your gums. When the floss reaches your gum line, curve it into a C shape against one tooth and slide it up and down against the side of that tooth. Repeat this process for each tooth.
Brush for a Full 2 Minutes
It’s important to brush your teeth for a full two minutes in order to remove plaque and bacteria. Use a timer or play a song to make sure you’re brushing for the full two minutes.
Quit Smoking
If you smoke, quitting is the best resolution you can make for your oral health. Smoking is a leading cause of gum disease, which can lead to tooth loss. Smoking also increases your risk of developing oral cancer. If you need help quitting, the team at My Tooth Docs dentist can offer resources and support.
Cut Down on Staining Foods
When it comes to staining foods, there are a few key culprits: coffee, tea, red wine, and cigarettes. While you may love your morning cup of joe or evening glass of vino, they can take a toll on your teeth. If you’re looking to cut down on staining foods, try to limit your intake or brush your teeth shortly after eating or drinking them.
Cigarettes are another big source of tooth stains. If you smoke, now is the time to quit! Not only is smoking terrible for your overall health, but it will also give you yellow teeth and bad breath. If you’re looking to start the new year off with fresh breath and white teeth, kicking the habit is the best way to do it.
Buy an Electric Toothbrush
If you’re looking to take your oral health game up a notch this year, one of the best things you can do is invest in an electric toothbrush. Here’s why:
Electric toothbrushes are much more effective at removing plaque than manual brushes. Plaque is the sticky film of bacteria that can lead to gum disease and cavities, so keeping it under control is key to maintaining good oral health.
Electric toothbrushes can help improve your gum health by reducing inflammation and bleeding. If you have gingivitis (early stage gum disease), using an electric toothbrush can help reverse the damage and keep your gums healthy.
Electric toothbrushes are great for people with braces or other dental work. The bristles of an electric brush are able to get into hard-to-reach places more easily than a manual brush, making sure that your teeth and gums stay healthy even if you have dental appliances.
Electric toothbrushes are just plain convenient. They’re easy to use and usually come with built-in timers so you can be sure you’re brushing for the recommended two minutes (at least!).
So if you’re looking to make a positive change for your oral health this year, investing in an electric toothbrush is a great place to start!
Stay Hydrated
Your mouth is full of bacteria. In fact, there are over 700 different types of bacteria living in your mouth right now! Some of these bacteria are good and help to keep your mouth healthy. But other types of bacteria can cause problems like tooth decay and gum disease.
One way to help reduce the amount of harmful bacteria in your mouth is to stay hydrated. Drinking plenty of water helps to flush out the bad bacteria and keep your teeth and gums healthy. So make sure to drink up this year and resolve to stay hydrated for great oral health!
Get Enough calcium
Most New Year’s resolutions have to do with improving our physical health, but this year, let’s focus on improving our oral health! Oral health leads to good physical health and getting enough calcium is an important part of the process.
Calcium is essential for strong teeth and bones. If you’re not getting enough calcium in your diet, your teeth may become weak and prone to decay. Make sure to include calcium-rich foods in your diet, such as milk, cheese, and yogurt. You can also take a calcium supplement if you feel you’re not getting enough from your diet alone.
Use mouthwash
It’s important to use mouthwash because it helps remove plaque from your teeth and gums. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that can cause gum disease, tooth decay, and bad breath.
Mouthwash can also help prevent cavities by reducing the amount of plaque on your teeth. Be sure to choose a mouthwash that contains fluoride, which will help strengthen your tooth enamel and prevent cavities.
To use mouthwash correctly, follow these steps:
1. Pour a small amount of mouthwash into a cup.
2. Swish the mouthwash around in your mouth for 30 seconds to 1 minute.
3. Spit the mouthwash out into the sink.
4. Rinse your mouth with water to remove any residue.
Invest in a Tongue Scraper
If you’re looking to improve your oral health this year, one resolution you should make is to invest in a tongue scraper. A tongue scraper is a tool that helps remove plaque, bacteria, and food debris from the surface of your tongue. This can help improve your breath and overall oral health.
There are many tongue scrapers on the market, so it’s important to find one that’s comfortable for you to use. Look for a scraper that’s made of stainless steel or plastic, and avoid ones with sharp edges. Once you’ve found the right scraper, be sure to clean it after each use with hot water and soap.
Using a tongue scraper is simple: just place the scraper at the back of your tongue and pull it forward. Repeat this process until your whole tongue has been scraped. Remember to be gentle – you don’t want to damage your tongue! – and rinse off the scraper after each use.
If you make tongue scraping part of your daily oral care routine, you’ll notice a difference in your breath and overall oral health in no time!
Visit the Dentist Regularly
Most people know that they should visit the dentist regularly, but many people don’t follow through with this resolution. According to the American Dental Association, you should visit the dentist at least once a year for a routine cleaning and checkup. If you have any concerns about your oral health, be sure to discuss them with your My Tooth Docs dentist. You may need to visit more often if you have certain medical conditions or if you’re taking medications that can affect your oral health.
My Tooth Docs: Your go-to dentist in Naperville and South Holland Remember, with My Tooth Docs we are here to help! Contact My Tooth Docs today and find out why we have been a trusted resource. Serving Naperville and South Holland, Illinois, My Tooth Docs will make you feel right at home. Make your appointment today for patient-centered dental care and a lifetime of beautiful smiles.