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As the new year rolls in, many people are setting their sights on resolutions focused on improving health and eliminating bad habits. At Lockwood Family Dental, we encourage you to add dental goals to your list of New Year Resolutions for a healthier, brighter smile! Here are some essential daily actions to help you achieve lasting dental health.
Stick to Daily Dental Habits
New Year Resolutions and new habits are most effective when practiced consistently, and your dental care routine is no exception. Think of brushing and flossing as steps toward a fresh, clean smile rather than a chore. By making your dental goals a part of your daily life, you’ll maintain healthy teeth and gums all year long.
- Brush daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush to protect enamel and strengthen gums. Gently clean all surfaces of your teeth and along the gumline.
- Use the right toothpaste tailored to your dental needs, whether it’s for preventing decay, fighting plaque, whitening, or reducing sensitivity.
- Floss once a day with tools that make it easy, like flossing tape, oral irrigators, or interdental brushes.
- Rinse with antibacterial mouthwash after brushing and flossing to give your teeth extra protection against cavities.
Prevent Dry Mouth
A healthy flow of saliva is crucial for maintaining strong teeth and gums. Saliva helps coat your enamel, rinses away food particles, and balances the pH levels in your mouth. Without enough saliva, you can develop dry mouth, or xerostomia, which can lead to oral health problems.
To keep your mouth hydrated:
- Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
- Increase your dairy intake to encourage saliva production.
- Chew sugar-free gum to stimulate your salivary glands.
- Consult your dentist if you suspect that your medications are causing dry mouth.
Ditch Tobacco for Good
The new year is a perfect time to kick tobacco, whether smoking or chewing. Tobacco not only harms your lungs but also damages your oral tissues, discolors your teeth, and dries out your mouth. Take advantage of tobacco cessation programs to help you quit for good.
Eat a Mouth-Healthy Diet
Your diet plays a significant role in maintaining your dental health. The foods you eat can either promote tooth decay or support your teeth and gums. Focus on:
- Eating fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and dairy for essential vitamins and minerals.
- Limiting sugar and acidic foods that can erode enamel. Opt for water or calcium-rich drinks like milk.
- Brushing after meals or rinsing with water if you can’t brush right away.
Address Dry Mouth with Proper Care
Dry mouth, or xerostomia, can impact your oral health by reducing saliva flow, which is necessary for rinsing away harmful bacteria. Along with staying hydrated, consider dairy products and sugar-free gum to encourage saliva production. If dry mouth persists, consult your dentist at Lockwood Family Dental to identify potential medication side effects.
New Year Resolutions: Schedule Dental Treatments
Routine dental visits are crucial, but addressing specific issues is also important for optimal dental health. At Lockwood Family Dental, we offer a wide range of restorative and cosmetic treatments to keep your smile in top shape. Whether you need a filling, a root canal, gum treatment, or a dental crown, taking care of these issues promptly prevents larger problems down the line. Remember, replacing missing teeth with dental implants or bridges can prevent teeth from shifting and preserve your bite alignment.
Lockwood Family Dental is here to help you achieve your dental goals and maintain a healthy, beautiful smile throughout the year. Let us support you in making 2022 your best year for oral health!