The beginning of the new year is right around the corner, and it’s a great time to start a new good habit or improve your existing ones. While getting more exercise, spending more time with the kids, improving your diet, and quitting smoking are all excellent new year’s resolutions, it’s also a great idea to enhance your oral hygiene regimen so you can enjoy a healthier and more beautiful smile. Here are a few new year’s resolutions that can work wonders for your oral health.
If You Want Your Smile to Be Pristine, Improve Your Oral Hygiene
Your daily at-home oral care habits are your smile’s first line of defense against infection and enamel erosion, so improving your regimen can yield significant benefits for your oral health. The ideal oral hygiene routine includes:
- Brushing: It’s important to gently clean each exposed surface of your teeth with a soft-bristled brush and fluoride toothpaste. Do this at least twice a day for two minutes at a time. It’s best to wait at least thirty minutes after eating so your teeth have time to recover before they are cleaned.
- Flossing: Dental floss serves to clear plaque and food debris from the tight spaces between the teeth where a brush cannot reach. Flossing once a day will also help keep your gums stimulated so they can be more able to heal and fight infections.
- Antibacterial mouthwash: Rinsing with antibacterial mouthwash will kill 99% of the harmful germs in your mouth and leave your breath fresh and minty. It’s best to do this once a day, but be sure to find a brand with the American Dental Society’s seal of approval.
To Help Your Enamel Fulfill Its Function, Limit Your Soda Consumption
If your dentist was a superhero, their mortal nemesis would be soda. These fizzy and sugary beverages are loaded with sugar that feeds harmful oral bacteria and acid that weakens your enamel on contact. Unfortunately, many people use soda as their go-to beverage and indulge in these sweet drinks at almost every meal. Reducing the amount of soda you consume can prevent a host of oral health issues like tooth decay, gum disease, and dental stains.
Improving your dental hygiene is one of the best things you can do for your oral and overall health. By adopting a few excellent habits for the new year and keeping up with your regular dental appointments, you can set yourself up for a lifetime with a strong and beautiful smile.
About the Author
Dr. Vidya Kini Kukkundur earned her dental degree from the NYU College of Dentistry in 2008 and has completed many hours of continuing education coursework to stay abreast of the latest developments in her field. She is proud to serve as a member of the American Dental Association and the New Jersey Dental Association, and her Marlton office offers general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry. To book your first dental appointment for the new year, contact her office online or dial (856) 596-4333.