Did you know that the practice of making New Year’s resolutions began almost 4,000 years ago? Ancient Babylonians, when their new year came around, made a promise to the gods that they would pay all debts and return anything they borrowed.
Today, it’s still a very common practice, whether you’re successful at following through or not!
If you’re into making resolutions, might we suggest some that would be good for your teeth?
If you’ve let your dental routine slide, pick one or two of the below recommendations for the upcoming year. Your teeth, your wallet, and your dentist will thank you!
Floss
Just do it. Think about all the food and gunk that gets caught between your teeth that can only be removed by flossing.
Start using a tongue scraper
Bacteria and toxins that contribute to tooth decay and gum disease remain on your tongue unless a tongue scraper is used to remove them.
Brush at least twice a day for at least two minutes
Many people do not brush long enough. Simply brushing a minimum of two minutes can make a huge difference in removal of bacteria!
Figure out what is causing your dry mouth
Your mouth needs a good amount of saliva in order to bathe the teeth and wash away icky stuff. A dry mouth needs some attention to keep your teeth at their best. For more information on dry mouth, click here.
Don’t skip hygiene appointments
For most people, twice a year is adequate. For others, you may need more. During routine visits, dentists spot problems before they get worse (or more expensive for you). Plus, that squeaky clean feeling after a cleaning is hard to beat!
Change your relationship with food
Addicted to sugar? It’s never too late to reset your habits!
Go easy on kombucha
If you other resolutions include stocking up on the stuff, you may want to reconsider. Kombucha is a rather acidic beverage and isn’t so great for your teeth.
Drink less soda, energy drinks, and juice
These beverages contain a ton of sugar and empty calories! They’re not good for your pancreas or your teeth. Go with sparkling water or water infused withy yummy chopped fruit for flavor. For more information on the harmful effects of sugar, click here.
Been wanting to whiten your teeth? Go for it!
Being the proud owner of a beautiful new smile will make you want to take better care of your mouth. We think that’s a win. For more information on tooth whitening, click here.
Quit smoking!
This one is always worth mentioning. Smoking is terrible for your body, your gums, and your teeth. For more information on smoking and oral health, click here.
The most successful New Year’s resolution makers pick one or two specific, achievable goals. Do any of these and your mouth’s health will be better by the end of the year! Click here to make your appointment at Adams and Cheek Dentistry.
*Information and blog provided by RevenueWell
