It’s safe to say that most people are glad 2020 is finally over. Now is the perfect time to turn over a new leaf and set New Year’s resolutions that can improve your overall health and wellness. Why not use this opportunity to make sure you’re taking good care of your smile? Here are four simple New Year’s resolutions that help you maintain a healthy smile in 2021 and beyond!
1. Kick Bad Oral Habits
Many people have habits that aren’t exactly great for your teeth, like smoking, nail-biting, and grinding and clenching your teeth. The start of a new year (and a new decade) is a great time to wean yourself off of these habits and keep a healthy smile. The best place to start is by talking to your dentist or doctor. In some cases, like if you grind your teeth while you sleep, you may be able to start wearing a protective mouthguard to bed. In others, like if you smoke, making gradual changes is more likely to bring you long-term success.
2. Schedule Your Next Checkup & Cleaning
The vast majority of dental insurance plans cover two checkups and cleanings a year. They do this because they want you to avoid serious oral health issues that could require expensive treatment. By getting your preventive appointments scheduled, not only will you be taking full advantage of your insurance benefits, but you’ll be helping your smile remain as healthy as possible.
3. Commit to Daily Flossing
It may surprise you to hear that only about 30 percent of the population flosses every day. That means that most people only floss sometimes or even not at all. If you’re in that majority, now is a good time to change that. The American Dental Association recommends flossing at least once a day to prevent bacteria and plaque from building up between your teeth and causing cavities.
4. Eat a Mouth-Healthy Diet
When you eat and drink a lot of sugars and other carbohydrates, bacteria in your mouth feed on those particles and leave behind acidic waste. This acid is what erodes tooth enamel and irritates gum tissue. By switching out sweets with mouth-healthy alternatives like yogurt, cheese, and fresh produce, you can minimize your risk of gum disease, tooth decay, and other oral health problems that could compromise the health of your smile.
Taking care of your smile may seem like a huge commitment, but it’s well worth it in the long run. By following these four New Year’s resolutions, you can maintain a healthy smile for years to come!
About the Practice
Dr. James A. Moreau Jr., Dr. Shannon O. Doyle, and Dr. Israel M. Finger lead the team of dental experts at More SMILES Dental Spa in Covington, LA. Their main priority is keeping their patients happy, healthy, and comfortable. They offer a variety of services, from routine checkups to smile makeovers to comprehensive tooth replacement. Have more questions about improving your smile in the new year? Visit us online or call us at (985) 888-0668 to find out more.