It’s the new year of a new decade, and everyone’s eager to implement new lifestyle changes and better habits. Resolutions to get fit, travel more, and get organized are abound, but this year, let us suggest making a resolution to improve your oral health. Here are some great resolutions to help you make the most of your smile in 2020:
Drink More Water
Drinking more water is one of the healthiest resolutions you can make for your body, but especially for your teeth. Staying hydrated helps saliva production, which fights bacteria that causes gum disease. It also helps wash away lingering food and drink that can stick to your teeth and cause cavities. When you can, reach for tap water instead of bottled— tap water is fluoridated, which helps harden enamel.
Eat Less Sugar
Some of you may already be making this resolution to help with getting fit or losing weight, but it’s also great for your teeth. Bacteria in your mouth feeds on sugar and release acid as they break it down that harms your enamel. This increases your risk for cavities and gum disease. Sticky candy or other lingering sugary foods are especially prone, because they stick to your teeth and increase exposure.
Flossing
We assume everyone is brushing regularly every day, but flossing is something that many people skip in favor of saving time. This year, resolve to floss right before you brush. Flossing can make a big difference in decreasing cavities that form between your teeth, some of the most difficult areas for your dentist to access for treatment. It also prevents gum disease caused by food stuck between teeth that brushing didn’t remove.
Mouthwash
Similar to flossing, this is a habit that many people skip that can make a huge improvement in your oral health. Adding a fluoridated mouthwash to your routine can help recover weakened enamel and keep your smile white and cavity-free. Your dentist can recommend a brand that will help your teeth best.
See Your Dentist
Seeing your dentist and dental hygienist regularly is imperative to oral health. The generally understood recommendation is every six months, but that may be more or less frequent than is really right for you. Your dentist can help you decide the best schedule for your oral health.
Dr. Coates and his friendly team of professionals located in Long Beach, CA can help you with all your oral health goals, so don’t wait to make an appointment! You can schedule online here, or call 562-434-6414.
