The end of 2024 is fast approaching, which means now is the time to think carefully about any New Year’s resolutions you may want to make. Plenty of people set goals for improving their overall health, so why not choose some that are good for your smile? Below are 4 suggestions from your dentist for New Year’s resolutions that could ultimately go a long way toward protecting your teeth and gums.
1. Start Improving Your Brushing Habits
Brushing your teeth is essential for protecting your smile from cavity-causing plaque. But if you want the best results, you need to ensure that you’re brushing the right way.
For one thing, each brushing session should last for two minutes; this will let you remove significantly more plaque than you could if you brushed for just 45 seconds. On top of that, you should hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle. That way, you’ll have an easier time cleaning beneath the gumline.
2. Make Some Changes to Your Diet
Foods and beverages that are high in sugar can significantly increase your risk for tooth decay. Harmful oral bacteria can feed on sugar and turn it into acids that can damage your enamel. For the sake of your oral health, you will want to minimize your intake of candy, soda, and anything else that’s sugary.
Conversely, eating more fruits and vegetables can be very beneficial for your smile. These foods contain antioxidants such as vitamin C that can contribute to healthier gums. Furthermore, chewing on crunchy fruits and vegetables like apples and carrots can help remove plaque from your teeth.
3. Start Flossing
As important as brushing is, there are plenty of spots in your smile that your toothbrush won’t be able to reach. In order to remove any plaque or food debris that has gotten trapped between the teeth, you will need to make flossing a regular part of your oral hygiene routine.
Most dental experts recommend flossing at least once a day. Some people have trouble using traditional dental floss, so consider investing in soft picks or floss threaders if you need to.
4. Don’t Forget to See Your Dentist
Even if you take excellent care of your smile every day, it’s important to make time to see your dentist for routine checkups and cleanings. They will be able to identify any oral health issues that you may have overlooked on your own, and they can remove plaque and tartar from the spots in your mouth that you may have missed while brushing.
Ideally, you should see your dentist once every six months. You will therefore want to resolve to have at least two dental appointments before 2025 comes to a close.
About the Author
Dr. Dan Greenwood went to The Ohio State University, where he earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery. He has been operating Greenwood Dental since 1998, and he’s proud to have been able to enhance so many smiles in Sagamore Hills. You can count on him to provide a wide range of personalized dental treatments, from routine care to long-lasting restorations. To schedule your first dental appointment of 2025 with Dr. Greenwood, visit his website or call (330) 467-2522.