Five New Year’s Resolutions Your Dentist Wishes You’d Make
Written by Scripps West Dental
Happy 2023! It’s a brand new year! Are you ready to make your smile the best it’s ever been?
As most of us sit down to plan out New Year’s resolutions, a majority will decide to focus on losing weight, exercising more, or eating healthier.
All these things are great, but did you ever stop to think about your dental health and how vital it is for your overall well-being? Periodontitis (gum disease) has been associated with other health problems such as stroke, cardiovascular disease, and bacterial pneumonia. Chronic periodontitis is also estimated to affect almost 50% of adults in the United States who are age 30 or older.
When you look at it that way, you can see why our dentist wants you to consider your oral health and habits as part of your New Year’s Resolutions.
Dental Health Tips for 2023
Do you feel like your dental care routine isn’t up to par? When we’re busy, it’s easy for us to forget about things like checkups or flossing. Why not set a new goal to improve your oral health at a time when we are focusing on our total wellness? Here are five dental hygiene tips that our dentist in Mira Mesa recommends:
- Make A Commitment to Flossing
Regular brushing is usually not a problem because most people want fresh breath. However, many people neglect to floss their teeth. You can’t remove all the tartar and plaque between your teeth by just brushing. Interproximal decay, or cavities between teeth, is most commonly formed when this happens. This condition means that both teeth will need to be filled.
Traditional flossing strings can be difficult to use and may not be suitable for your particular teeth. However, flossing doesn’t have to be difficult. Water flossers are much more convenient and quicker than other methods. A commitment to flossing daily is a great way to improve your gum health and teeth.
- Watch Your Dietary Habits
Are you a healthy eater? If not, you should think about how to change your diet to include more calcium-rich foods and less sugar.
Sugar can cause cavities by affecting tooth enamel, and lowering your intake can reduce your risk of cavities. To determine how much sugar each item has, you should evaluate what you eat and drink regularly. Sugary foods such as soda, ice cream, pastries, certain juices, and some cereals have high sugar levels.
You can also reduce your sugar intake by consuming more calcium. Calcium is well-known for its ability to produce strong teeth and healthy gums. Certain dairy products, certain vegetables, such as spinach and okra, and shellfish are all high in calcium.
- Don’t Put Off Dental Care
It’s not hard to understand why people don’t love going to the dentist, but dental problems don’t get better on their own. It is better to follow the recommended treatment plan than take the plunge for costly restorations. Our Mira Mesa dentist has many options for you.
- Drink More Water
Water is good for your smile! Drinking water regularly removes acids and lowers bacterial levels in your mouth. Fluoride can also be found in tap water, strengthening tooth enamel over time. Plus, water is a natural cleanser, so drinking it between meals will help lower your risk of decay and bad breath.
- Use The Right Toothbrush
“Which toothbrush should you use?” A soft-bristled toothbrush will be gentle and more efficient on your smile than a stiff or hard-bristled brush. If you’re open to the investment, upgrading to an electric toothbrush can make a world of difference when it comes to healthier teeth and gums.
Schedule Your Next Checkup
Scripps West Dental is always available to help! Call now to make your appointment and jump-start your path toward achieving your New Year’s resolutions. Call our dentist in Mira Mesa today to reserve your next appointment.
