New Year’s Resolution – Maintaining Oral Health

 

Turning over a new leaf in the New Year isn’t easy, which is why most people don’t follow through. However, finding a way to stick to your resolution is much easier if there are benefits to doing so, especially when it’s to your oral health and overall well being.

These five resolutions are a good start to help you take better care of your teeth and gums this 2017:

• Make a commitment to floss regularly. Brushing your teeth twice a day just isn’t enough to prevent plaque and bacteria from building up in your mouth. The bristles just aren’t thin enough to help remove all the bits of food lodged in between your teeth from the food you eat. This is why that you take the new year as a great time to start developing the habit of flossing. One way to make it easier for you to follow through your commitment to flossing is to put your floss on top of or directly next to your toothpaste. Positioning the container in a place where you constantly have to touch and see it is a great way to condition yourself to using it regularly. Also, be sure to bring another containing with you at work, so you can floss on the go in case you forget to do it at home.

• Say “NO” to bad habits. Smoking doubles your risk for gum disease, and is also linked to a variety of other health complications. Alcohol and drug abuse are also both very bad for your teeth, and health overall. Such bad habits will only come back to bite you in the end, so why not stop now? Get rid of all of it from your home and ask for support from friends, family and even a support group. Find another hobby, one that’s a lot healthier, and exercise regularly. Although there will be cravings along the way, you’ll be eventually be happier knowing that your body and health will be reaping all the benefits.

• Stay away from sugar. There are a number of medical studies showing a direct link between sugar and tooth decay. It’s also been proven many times that minimizing sugar consumption can cut a person’s risk for tooth decay by a huge margin. As much as it hurts, just remember that your decision to stay away from sugary treats is for your own good.

• Visit to the dentist regularly. Most people don’t really go to the dentist unless absolutely necessary. If you’re one of them, then change that this 2017. Make it a point to book an appointment for a dental check-up regularly. Even if your teeth look and feel fine, there may be underlying problems that need to be treated. Even if there aren’t, regular checkups and cleanings are a great way to make sure that your teeth and gums are in tip-top shape.

• Eat healthy foods much more often. Curbing the sugar habit won’t be easy. Luckily, you can still drink milk, as well as other dairy products, as they’re high in calcium and great for your teeth. Fibrous foods are also good as well as they help build up the saliva in your mouth, which scrub away plaque and other bits of food. In general, mixing more fruits and vegetables to your daily diet is a good idea

Making your new year’s resolution and sticking with it won’t be easy. No pressure, though. Just take things one step at a time, and even if you miss out or have a “relapse”, don’t give up. Remember that you’re making all of these changes so by next year and the years to follow, you’ll be enjoying better oral and overall health! Be sure to make an appointment for regular cleanings and check ups by calling Dr. Graham Farless at 336-282-2868.