With New Year’s quickly approaching, many people are making resolutions to live a healthier life. And one of the essential parts of being healthy is maintaining good oral hygiene. Taking care of your teeth is something that you can do easily, even if it’s just a few small steps.
Here are some healthy dental habits for the new year you can add to your daily routine.
Drink More Water
Drinking water helps your mouth stay healthy by rinsing away food particles, bacteria, and plaque. With sugary drinks like soda and juice, bacteria can stick around longer, leading to cavities. In addition, a dry mouth can lead to bad breath and other oral health issues. So, drink more water throughout the day for a healthier mouth.
To keep your teeth clean, you should also drink fewer sugary drinks. When you do consume sugar, rinse your mouth with water afterward to wash it away.
Use Toothpaste with Fluoride
To improve your dental habits, use toothpaste with fluoride and brush your teeth twice a day with it. The fluoride will help strengthen your teeth and protect them from cavities. It also fights bacteria in your gums, which can help prevent gingivitis.
Plus, fluoride will help save you money in the long run since it can help prevent costly dental procedures.
Quit Vaping and Smoking
When it comes to your dental health, quitting vaping and smoking is one of the best things you can do. Not only do these habits increase your risk of oral cancer, but they also cause discoloration and yellowing of the teeth. Prolonged use of both may also lead to gum disease and cavities.
Vaping and smoking can also weaken your immune system, which makes it harder for your body to fight off bacterial infections in the mouth.
Drink Less Alcohol
Alcohol can also have a negative effect on your oral health. Regular consumption of alcoholic drinks can cause dry mouth, which leads to increased plaque and bacteria buildup in the mouth. It also increases your risk of cavities because it weakens the enamel on your teeth, making them more susceptible to decay.
Although giving up alcohol may be difficult, cutting back will protect your teeth and overall health. And when you do drink, try to stick with lower-sugar alcoholic beverages, and always rinse your mouth with water afterward.
Visit Your Dentist Bi-Annually
It’s important to get your teeth checked and cleaned twice a year by a dentist. Preventative cleanings can stop more severe problems from developing. In addition, regular x-rays can detect issues that aren’t visible to the eye.
Your dentist can also recommend changes to your oral hygiene routine that can help keep your teeth and gums healthy.
Conclusion
Good dental habits are essential for achieving overall physical health this year. So, set a resolution to maintain good oral hygiene so you can start the year off right.
At First Class Smiles, we understand the importance of good oral hygiene. Our team of expert dentists in Des Plaines, IL, is dedicated to helping you achieve optimal oral health, so schedule an appointment today.