With a fresh start right around the corner, there is no time like the present to write down some goals for the coming months. Exercising more, eating healthier, and achieving a better work/life balance often make the list, but why not add some smile-related New Year’s resolutions as well? Here are a few ideas for a healthy, happy smile in 2022!
Resolution #1: Floss Daily
Have you fallen out of the habit of flossing daily? You’re not alone. In fact, roughly one-third of Americans rarely floss. While this statistic may not seem shocking at first, it’s important to remember that brushing alone won’t clean the entire surface of your teeth. To effectively clean between your teeth and along your gumline, you need to floss at least once a day.
Resolution #2: Replace Your Toothbrush Every Three Months
Would you use a dirty sponge to wash your dishes? Certainly not. So, you shouldn’t use a dirty toothbrush to clean your teeth! In addition to disinfecting your toothbrush weekly, you should replace it (or replace the head) every quarter. If this is a completely new habit for you, setting a reminder on your phone can help immensely.
Resolution #3: Cut Back on Sugar
You’ve probably heard that sugary foods and beverages aren’t exactly mouth-healthy. When sugar interacts with the bacteria in your mouth, it eats away at your enamel, leaving you vulnerable to cavities. So, make one of your resolutions to cut back on sugar. Even swapping one fruit juice or fizzy soda with water is a step in the right direction!
Resolution #4: Visit Your Dentist Twice a Year
Has it been more than six months since your last dental checkup and cleaning? Even worse, have you adopted the belief that these routine visits are optional? Routine visits to your dentist are essential for not only catching dental problems in the early stages, but also helping prevent others from developing in the future. Furthermore, they can detect non-dental issues as well, like oral cancer. So, if your next dental checkup and cleaning isn’t on the calendar yet, now is the time to schedule it!
Resolution #5: Quit Tobacco Products
Tobacco products can wreak serious havoc on your oral health, which is why using tobacco products is not a habit you should bring into 2022. A few other unhealthy dental behaviors you should leave behind include chewing on ice and using your teeth as tools.
With 2022 comes a fresh start; why not use it to go after the healthy, happy smile you deserve? Luckily, you now know a few great resolutions to help get you started!
About the Practice
With a hand-selected team of phenomenal dentists and a comprehensive array of services in-house, patients in and around Temple can maintain, restore, and enhance their smiles for 2022! We love helping nearby individuals and families enjoy healthy, happy teeth, which is why we are meticulous about even “routine” services, like dental checkups and cleanings. If you would like to learn more about how to care for your smile at home or need to schedule an appointment, don’t hesitate to visit our website or call 254-727-7144.