Many of the worthwhile New Year’s resolutions out there focus on self-improvement. Become a better person than you were the previous year in one way or another. This can go in many directions, but one approach is to take better care of yourself.
When you commit to improving your oral health, it can improve your overall quality of life and save you a pretty penny when it comes to paying for dental treatments after you’ve developed problems. You can alter your daily regimen, and before long you’ve changed a problematic behavior without even thinking about it.
Keep reading for suggestions on New Year’s resolutions for a healthy smile from your dentist in Fairfax.
Resolution #1: Visit Your Dentist Every Six Months
The best way to stop dental issues in their tracks is to detect them early or prevent them from happening in the first place. Regular visits to your dentist will help ensure that no dental issues go unnoticed or worsen into something more serious.
Resolution #2: Make Healthier Choices with Your Diet
Your diet can have a significant impact on your oral health. Steps to improve your diet can include limiting your consumption of sugary or acidic foods and beverages, reducing snacking, rinsing your mouth with water after having meals or sugary drinks, and eating lots of fruits and veggies.
Resolution #3: Quit Using Tobacco Products
Smoking and the use of other tobacco products invites oral health problems and stains your teeth. Nicotine is highly addictive but consulting a medical professional for insight on quitting can help you break free of the urge.
Resolution #4: Implement Helpful Oral Hygiene Habits
Some examples of stellar dental care to power up your smile include gently brushing twice each day with a soft-bristled toothbrush, holding your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to your gumline, using fluoride toothpaste, flossing or utilizing an interdental brush once per day, and rinsing with mouthwash after brushing.
Resolution #5: Combat Dry Mouth
Your saliva is crucial to maintaining the health of your teeth and gums, as it provides your enamel with minerals, neutralizes acidity, and helps wash away food matter and debris. Fortunately, there are many ways to reduce dry mouth, such as chewing sugar-free gum or drinking milk to increase saliva production, drinking water regularly and especially before bed, and avoiding excessive alcohol consumption or using illegal drugs.
Carrying out some New Year’s resolutions to enhance your health is an excellent, money-saving choice. Allow yourself enough time for your new routine to morph into habits. For more impactful ideas, talk to your Fairfax dentist!
About the Practice
At MJM Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, we strive to be the reliable dental office to provide high-quality treatments that your family can count on. From state-of-the-art dental implants to last-minute emergency dentistry, we are ready to help with any of your oral health needs. We think setting some New Year’s resolutions with your oral health in mind is a fantastic idea. We can certainly help with the one about visiting the dentist, and you can schedule a dental cleaning and exam on our website or by calling (703) 934-5540.
