When you look at your smile, do you like what you see? If not, New Year’s resolutions are the perfect ways to set goals to take better care of your grin over the next 365 days. From improving the look of your pearly whites to just maintaining better oral health overall, the possibilities are endless. Read on for five ideas on how to gain a healthy smile in the new year.
#1: Visit the Dentist
Biannual visits to the dentist are a key part of keeping your teeth healthy and your oral health in the best possible condition. During these visits, your hygienist will do a deep clean of your teeth and around your gum line to remove plaque and buildups or tartar. After that, your dentist will do a thorough exam to determine if you have any oral health issues or are at risk of developing them. If so, they will administer treatment to keep problems at bay.
#2: Brush and Floss Better
Brush your teeth before you eat breakfast in the morning to get rid of the bacteria that accumulate in your mouth overnight. You should also brush before you go to bed to remove plaque and food particles that built up during the day. Floss between your pearly whites to reach places that can’t be accessed with just a toothbrush and lessen your chances of developing tooth decay.
#3: Conquer Dry Mouth
When there isn’t enough saliva being produced, this will result in dry mouth and can sharply raise your chances of developing cavities, gum disease, mouth sores, and a range of other oral health issues. Make sure to keep your mouth well hydrated by drinking plenty of water. If the issue persists, visit your dentist so they can determine if it’s being caused by an underlying oral health issue.
#4: Cut Out Tobacco and Drink Less Alcohol
Tobacco products and drinking large quantities of alcohol can both lead to dry mouth. Additionally, smoking cigarettes can raise your chances of getting gum disease, oral cancer, and several other cancers. Work on cutting these bad habits out in the new year. If you need help, ask your doctor, dentist, or therapist for resources.
#5: Brighten Your Smile
Along with cutting back on stain-causing foods and beverages like coffee, red wine, and berries, ask your dentist what whitening options they have available. There are several treatments that can either remove stains or cover up discoloration to make your smile look as good as new.
Your smile deserves the best, so why not show it a little bit of extra love in the new year? By resolving to take better care of your pearly whites over the next 365 days, you’ll be sporting the healthy smile you’ve always wanted in no time!
About the Practice
The talented team at Archway Dental cares about the oral health of their Frisco patients and does whatever they can to help them take care of their teeth. As experts on all things oral health, they strive to teach you the best way to protect your mouth from harm and can assist you in your New Year’s resolutions to achieve a healthy smile. To make an appointment or for information on their many oral health services, visit Archway Dental’s website or call them at (972) 972-4646.