4 New Year’s Health Resolutions From a Dentist

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If you would like to start off 2020 by building good habits that improve your overall wellbeing, the best place to start is by considering what you do to keep your mouth healthy. Even though your mouth seems like a small part of your entire body, having unhealthy teeth and gums can result in serious medical conditions such as heart disease. That’s why it’s important that your new year’s health resolutions involve taking care of your smile. Read on for four commitments to make in 2020 that are great for your overall wellbeing.

Don’t Skip Daily Flossing

It can be tempting to cut your dental hygiene routine short so you can hop into bed earlier. For most people, that means that they cut out flossing between each of their teeth. Unfortunately, this is an incredibly common occurrence even though the American Dental Association asserts that daily flossing is a vital part of maintaining healthy teeth and gums.

If you’re more likely to skip this step of your oral health routine, try purchasing tools that make flossing easier. For example, flossing picks and water flossers are significantly easier to maneuver than regular string floss. Not to mention, these tools can be even more effective at removing plaque and food debris, preventing harmful oral health problems from occurring.

Visit Your Dentist Every Six Months

Even if you’re diligent about brushing and flossing at home, it’s still important to visit your dentist every six months for a checkup and cleaning. They’re specially trained and equipped with the latest technology and dental knowledge to spot issues like oral cancer, impacted teeth, and cavities. With regular preventive care, they can catch these problems early, increasing the chances of having them successfully treated and avoiding issues down the road.

Break Bad Habits

There are several bad habits that can impact the health of your teeth and gums. Chewing ice, nail-biting, and smoking can all increase your risk of developing common issues such as cavities, infections, and gum disease. When you make yourself aware of your bad habits and make an effort to break them, you can save your smile from becoming worn-down and damaged.

Limit How Many Sweets You Eat

By maintaining and being conscious of your sweet tooth, you can keep harmful oral bacteria from accumulating in your mouth. They feed off of carbohydrates and sugars that are trapped in your plaque, which means that when you consume excessive amounts of these substances, it creates the perfect environment for them to thrive in. After they feed on sugar, they produce waste in the form of gum-infecting toxins and enamel-eroding acid that can cause severe issues for your mouth.

By making new year’s oral health commitments, you’ll be able to improve your overall wellbeing and spend less time at your dentist’s office. Not to mention, you can feel more confident showing your smile off if you know there aren’t any issues lingering beneath the surface.

About the Author

Dr. Thaddeus Michalski has nearly two decades of experience providing his patients with the high-quality dental care that they deserve. He has completed advanced education and training in a variety of specialties, including implant dentistry, TMJ disorders, and general and cosmetic dentistry. His office is also equipped with the latest technology so he can spot oral health problems before they cause patients discomfort. For questions or to schedule a checkup and cleaning, visit his website or call 860-563-4544.