With the new year upon us, many of us are trying to figure out how we’re going to better ourselves. A new year brings change and in most cases, this change is for the better. Whether you’re working to lose weight, improve a skill, get a better job, or move someplace warmer, working towards these goals should be applauded. After all, you’re one step closer to getting where you want to be in your life! This year, we want to challenge you to make a healthier smile part of your new year’s resolutions, and we have some helpful tips to help you do just that.
Brush and Floss Daily to Keep Teeth and Braces Clean
Taking time out to take care of you in the new year should be a priority. If you’ve vowed to get a healthier smile in the new year, begin with your oral hygiene. Be sure to brush and floss daily: in the morning, at bedtime, and after meals if possible. You’ll also want to find a toothbrush that works for you, whether it’s an electric version or manual. Always be sure to use quality oral hygiene products to ensure you’re doing your part in getting a healthier smile.
Add See Your Dentist to your New Year’s Resolutions
Many people skip this step when it comes to their smiles, but seeing your dentist couldn’t be more important in maintaining a healthy smile, especially if you have braces or Invisalign. It’s advised to visit your dentist twice a year for a regular check-up. At your check-up, your dentist will clean your teeth and examine them to make sure everything is as it should be. If a problem needs to be addressed, your dentist will be able to come up with a plan to fix it, alleviating stress and more serious problems down the road.
Address the Problems with Your Smile
You may be struggling with alignment issues, crowding or spacing problems, or some other orthodontic issue, which means choosing to seek treatment will be important to the health of your smile. After all, certain orthodontic issues make it quite the challenge to clean in between the teeth, which puts you at risk for tooth decay and gum disease, and nobody wants that! Getting orthodontic treatment now will help you to maintain a healthy smile later.
Other Tips for a Healthy Smile
Daily habits can really do a number on our smiles without us even realizing it. That’s why it’s helpful to keep the following in mind to maintain a clean, healthy, beautiful smile:
- Limit coffee, tea and red wine to avoid staining your tooth enamel
- Drink enough water
- Stop smoking/vaping
- Adopt healthy lifestyle habits, including limiting the amount of sugar you eat
Choosing to focus on your smile as one of your new year’s resolutions is a great decision! It’s understandable that life gets busy, but just taking a few minutes out of your day to practice proper oral hygiene and healthy lifestyle habits, and addressing the issues with your teeth can help you get a smile that shines throughout the years.
Happy New Year!