With a new year right around the corner, now is the perfect time to set goals for self-improvement in the coming months. Many people tackle their health at the start of January by hitting the gym every day or drinking more water, but don’t forget your teeth! Your dental condition impacts your overall well-being, so it’s important to care for your smile. If you’re making resolutions, keep reading for 3 ideas that will keep your grin strong this season and beyond!
Resolution #1: Brush for Two Full Minutes
You probably already know that to prevent dental problems you need to brush and floss your teeth twice every day. Were you aware, however, that each brushing session should last at least 2 minutes? It’s tempting to scrub them quickly if you’re late for work in the morning or just want to crash after a long, exhausting day. If you do, you’re less likely to remove enough plaque to keep tooth decay at bay. If you have a hard time keeping track, try humming a few verses of your favorite song while you brush, or set a timer on your phone.
Resolution #2: Reduce Sugar Intake
Eating a well-rounded diet can benefit more than just your waistline; your mouth likes it, too! Sugar attracts toxic microbes that flourish in your mouth and cause cavities. You can protect your teeth and avoid potential injury by limiting how much you consume. Many people struggle with cutting back, so start by replacing unhealthy foods with ones that are good for you.
For example, instead of sipping sugary sodas that stain, reach for a glass of water, instead. You’ll keep your pearly whites clean while hydrating your body. Another easy tip is to stock your fridge with oranges and grapefruits to enjoy at breakfast instead of sweet cereal. They’re full of vitamin C to support connective tissues and gum health. Whether you’re trying to cut back to lose weight or protect your smile, your teeth will thank you either way.
Resolution #3: Quit Smoking
If you’re a regular smoker, quitting is another resolution that benefits both your oral condition as well as your overall wellness. Tobacco products contain nicotine which is harmful in more ways than one. It reduces oxygen levels in your blood and restricts the flow, so your body is less able to deliver important nutrients to your mouth- or anywhere else! Plus, it can leave your grin looking yellow, brown, or even rotten.
You might think you’re safer vaping instead, but you’re still inhaling quantities of the same dangerous chemical. To avoid developing several serious issues like cancer of the mouth, jaw, or lungs, it’s best to leave this addictive habit in the past.
Implementing any of these ideas sets you up for success so that you can make the most of the new year to come!
About the Author
Dr. Alberto J. Lamberti takes pride in providing a wide range of dental services that enhance patients’ lives by improving their oral health. He earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from the Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston after completing a fellowship in Implant Dentistry as well as a Postgraduate Specialist in Prosthodontics program at the Central University of Venezuela. That makes him an expert who can handle everything from simple checkups to more complex cases. If you’d like to make an appointment, you’re welcome to request one on the website or by calling (561) 338-7535.