There are endless articles online about how to lose weight or grow healthier hair, but maintaining good dental hygiene is even more vital to your overall health. The new year is the perfect time to set your priorities straight again and improve some aspects of your dental health routine. Whether your goal is as simple as drinking more water, or takes more planning, like making consistent visits to the dentist, keep reading to find out how to stick to your resolutions.
Make better food and drink choices
This resolution goes hand in hand with a weight loss resolution. Certain foods will contribute to tooth decay more than others, and it’s recommended that you stay away from too many sugary or acidic foods and beverages. According to the University of Rochester, the best foods for healthy teeth and gums are fruits and vegetables, dairy products, green or black tea, and food with fluoride, such as seafood and cereal. The worst foods for your teeth are candies with refined sugar, bread, potato chips, and soda. But if you have a hard time cutting these foods out of your diet, try chewing sugarless gum after snacking to increase saliva production and flush some of the sugars out of your teeth.
Brush Better
Brushing your teeth twice a day is the best way to protect the health of your mouth. If you want to get the most of your brushing, make sure you’re doing it right. Dentists recommend angling your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle and making small circular movements instead of wide back-and-forth movements. Moving the brush in a circular motion will help dislodge some of the smaller food particles stuck between your teeth and in your gums. Remember to replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months and to floss at least daily.
Enhance your smile
Maybe you already brush twice a day, floss every night, and drink plenty of water, but your smile isn’t as bright as you think it should be. Consider talking to your dentist about teeth-whitening options. They can recommend you over-the-counter toothpaste and whitening agents, or they may offer a treatment they can provide you in their office.
Contact Babylon Dental Care to Start Your New Year Off Right
At Babylon Dental Care, our team is here to make sure that you have a happy and healthy 2020. One resolution we hope you’ve made is to maintain your oral health this year. Contact us today to schedule a checkup and cleaning with our caring and compassionate team. We can help you stick to your dental health resolutions and start 2020 off with a brighter smile.
