For many of us, our New Year’s resolutions revolve around our health and wealth. If you choose to make dental resolutions around your oral care, you’ll create a win-win situation for both your oral health and financial situation since there is no better way to solve dental issues than by avoiding them in the first place! Besides, it’s true: a dollar saved is a dollar earned. Here are our top tips for better dental health in 2023!
Brush Twice As Much
A lot of people only brush in the morning, after they shower and eat breakfast. However, one of the main things you will hear from a dentist is to brush more, and most dentists recommend brushing your teeth twice a day. Some dentists recommend that you brush three times a day, once after each meal. This will ensure that you are removing harmful food particles and bacteria after you eat large meals.
Dr. Plotka’s Mouthwatchers toothbrushes are designed with special flossing bristles and can easily reach places that other toothbrushes might miss and get deep in between the teeth where cavities form. They are even infused with silver to keep your brush bacteria-free between uses. Give the BEST.BRUSH.EVER a try by visiting our shop and keeping those pesky bacteria away.
Floss Regularly
Flossing regularly is preached by just about every dentist - no matter where you live! However, their pleas are rarely listened to by the general public. If you don’t already floss daily, now is the time to start! Your dentist will thank you.
There are now floss picks, water picks, and soft picks which are a lot less messy and easier to use than traditional floss.
Healthy Living
It only makes sense that healthy living can lead to a healthier mouth, and that involves eating healthier foods and eliminating bad habits. Without question, the most popular new year’s resolution is losing weight and eating healthier, but eating poorly affects your physical appearance more than you think. Steps to choose a healthier diet may include:
- Limiting your consumption of sugary or acidic foods and beverages
- Reducing snacks between meals
- Rinsing with water after meals or sugary drinks
No More Dry Mouth
It might surprise you to know that your saliva (also known as spit) has a vital function in maintaining the health of your teeth, gums, and mouth. It provides the enamel of your teeth with minerals, neutralizes the pH level (also known as acidity), and helps wash away food matter and debris.
Steps to reduce dry mouth may include:
- Chewing sugar-free gum to promote saliva production
- Avoiding excessive alcohol consumption or using illegal drugs that can cause dry mouth
- Staying hydrated by drinking water regularly, especially before bed.
Cut Out Nicotine
There’s no way around it; smoking and the use of other tobacco products is caustic to your oral and overall health. Tobacco can stain your teeth and increase your risk of many dental problems. This could be the year you finally commit to quitting, and the power is in your hands!
Routine Dental Visits
We recommend visiting your dental professional at least twice a year or every six months. The best way to stop dental issues in their tracks is to detect them early or stop them from happening in the first place. Regular visits to your dental professional will help ensure that no dental issues go unnoticed or worsen to something more serious.
You’re now armed with the knowledge to confront many of the top obstacles to ideal dental health. Maintaining your oral health contributes to your overall well-being, so make sure next year is your best dental year yet!