What are your goals for the new year? Are you trying to set aside more time to spend with your family? Are you dieting or exercising more? What about spending less? No matter your New Years’ Resolution, there is one resolution you should definitely follow through with every single year: managing your dental care and health. Here are some dental care resolutions that you can fulfill, starting right now!
Brush Twice a Day
Believe it or not, there are quite a few number of people who only dedicate time to brush their teeth once per day, and when they do, it’s only for a minute—and sometimes even less than that! Dentists recommend that you should brush your teeth twice a day, for two full minutes, to maximize your dental care; at the same time, you’ll be reducing your risk for developing dental problems.
Floss Daily
Simply brushing your teeth regularly doesn’t do your teeth enough justice. The bristles on your toothbrush are designed to clean the outer surfaces of your teeth and your tongue, too. Floss cleans down in-between your teeth—the hard-to-reach places that your toothbrush can’t reach.
Choose Your Foods Wisely
Eating a balanced diet and remembering to rinse or brush your teeth after meals will guarantee a healthier mouth! Avoid any sugars if you can; if you can’t resist a chocolate bar, make sure you at least rinse your mouth when possible. The sugars in food such as chocolate or other sweet treats stick to your teeth, and can attract bacteria within minutes!
Drink Plenty of Water
Water isn’t just good for your overall health; it’s also good for your teeth too! Water has fluoride, a natural nutrient that can actually strengthen your teeth’ enamel. Fluoride can make your teeth more resistant to plaque and acids that are capable of creating cavities.
See Your Dentist—Often
Finally, don’t forget to make regular dentist visits; go for a routine, professional, dental cleaning at least twice a year. Doing so will keep your pearly whites both pearly and white all year round!
