Most people skip over dental care goals when considering their New Year’s Resolution list. But good oral hygiene is vital to our overall physical health.
Taking good care of your teeth and gums is more than having a beautiful smile. It’s about maintaining good overall health as well. Not using proper dental care can be detrimental to your overall physical health and lead to multiple health problems, including:
- cavities
- periodontitis (gum disease)
- heart disease
The above list is incomplete. Taking care of your teeth and mouth can lead to various health issues. We’ve gathered five crucial dental care tips for your 2023 New Year’s Resolution for healthy, strong teeth and gums.
5 Dental Care Tips for 2023
1. Brush and floss regularly
As you already know, brushing and flossing daily is essential for maintaining good dental hygiene. Brushing and flossing regularly helps remove and prevent plaque, a build-up of sticky bacteria. This plaque can lead to severe health issues like cavities and gum disease.
It’s also important to not just go through the routine of brushing but also to use a good toothpaste that contains fluoride. Fluoride is a mineral that helps strengthen tooth enamel and prevent cavities by making the enamel more resistant to acids.
But how often should you brush your teeth? Your New Year’s resolution should include brushing your teeth at least twice daily: once in the morning and once in the evening before bed. This helps remove food and build-up accumulated during the day and the average hour of dormant sleeping. Not to mention, your social life will appreciate fresh breath!
Flossing is equally essential to brushing. It removes plaque and food particles between teeth and gum line, where brushing may not reach. These simple steps can help keep your teeth and gums healthy and strong.
2. Use mouthwash
Using mouthwash is an excellent addition to proper oral hygiene. Mouthwash aids oral health by killing bacteria (and keeping your breath fresh). Some people suffer from bad breath and cavities more than others – mouthwash can considerably lessen both issues. Mouthwash is an excellent solution for people who want an easy yet effective resolution for a healthier mouth.
Pro tip: be sure to use a mouthwash that does not contain alcohol. Alcohol can dry and irritate your mouth. An alcohol-free mouthwash can be just as effective as killing bacteria and providing fresh breath.
3. Visit your dentist regularly
Preventive dentistry involves caring for your teeth and gums before problems occur. This includes biannual visits to the dentist, cleanings, and other prophylactic measures such as fluoride treatments. If you visit your dentist regularly, they will also be able to see if there are any concerns they can take care of early on.
During a routine dental visit, you will undergo a tooth and gum exam for any signs of problems such as:
- cavities
- gum disease
- oral cancer
- bite pattern concerns
- gingivitis
- tooth structure
If your dentist does notice anything unusual, they will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan. Treating periodontitis in the early stages of the disease is much more effective before it has a chance to become more serious. But, the real goal is to use preventive dentistry to allow gum disease to take place.
Preventive dentistry is vital for averting, identifying, and treating oral health concerns. Regular dentist visits can prevent more serious dental issues from developing. If you’re looking for preventive dental services in Glendale, AZ, we offer a wide range of services to optimize oral health.
4. Eat a healthy diet for optimal dental care
A healthy diet is the core of every dental health resolution. Foods and drinks high in sugar lead to cavities. A nutrient-rich diet will help keep teeth and gums strong and healthy. Instead of grabbing a soft drink or candy, try choosing fruit or home-squeezed juice. There is sugar in fruit, but it occurs naturally and has many great nutrients and minerals that benefit a healthy mouth.
As you probably already know, a healthy diet can reduce your risk of other health problems, such as heart disease and diabetes. To keep your teeth and gums healthy, include plenty of nutritious food options.
5. Protect your teeth while playing sports
If you enjoy playing sports, make sure to protect your teeth by using a mouthguard. A mouthguard prevents mouth injuries, such as chipped or lost teeth, and other injuries to the mouth and jaw.
These five dental care tips will help you achieve New Year’s resolutions for a healthy mouth. Taking good care of your mouth and teeth is essential for overall health and physical well-being. If you have any questions about these tips or preventive dental services in Glendale, AZ, please get in touch with us at your convenience.
Beyond Dental Care welcomes patients with disabilities. If you need accommodation to receive dental services, we would happily provide one. Please call us at 623-267-8088 to let us know how we can assist. An Arizona-licensed general dentist offers services.