The start of the new year is a time to start thinking about changes you want to make. If you’ve been thinking of making a New Year’s resolution in Weatherford for 2022, why not start with making some improvements to your oral health? There are many ways you can start taking better care of your smile to keep it bright and healthy over the course of the upcoming year. Below are some possible ideas for resolutions that could help you protect your teeth and gums.
1. Start Flossing Every Day
While most people are already in the habit of brushing their teeth, less than 30 percent of the population flosses on a daily basis, and an additional 32 percent say they never floss at all. If you’re not already flossing regularly, now’s the perfect time to start. It will allow you to get rid of bacteria in the spaces between the teeth that a toothbrush may have trouble reaching, which reduces your overall risk for tooth decay and gum disease.
2. Brush for a Full Two Minutes
How long do you normally spend brushing your teeth? For most Americans, the average brushing session is less than one minute. But if you want your smile to be as clean and bacteria-free as possible, you should brush for a full two minutes. You can set a timer or play a two-minute song to help you.
3. Get a Tongue Scraper
Many people pay so much attention to their teeth and gums that they completely forget about the tongue. Bacteria can build up anywhere in the mouth, and if they accumulate on the tongue, they can easily be transferred to the teeth and gums even after thorough brushing and flossing. Getting a tongue scraper can help you take your oral hygiene routine to the next level by giving you another way to manage the bacteria in your mouth.
4. Avoid Acidic Drinks as Much as Possible
Certain foods and beverages can do a lot of damage to your smile if you consume them too often. Acidic beverages like soda and beverages are particularly harmful – not only do they directly weaken the teeth, but they also contain a lot of sugar that can encourage tooth decay. Try to cut down on acidic beverages as much as possible, and when you do indulge, take a sip of water afterwards to rinse away the acids so that they aren’t left sitting in your mouth for too long.
5. Start Snacking Smarter
When you snack between meals, you’re giving the bacteria in your mouth more chances to turn food particles into harmful acids that can lead to decay and inflammation. Simply snacking less can go a long way towards protecting your grin, and as a bonus it can give you a chance to lose some weight.
There are other ways you can strive for a healthy smile in Weatherford. Call your dentist today to schedule a dental appointment; when you visit, you can ask them for more suggestions for resolutions that can help make 2022 the year you took control of your oral health.
About Cosmetic & Family Dentistry
Here at Cosmetic & Family Dentistry, our three top-tier doctors work together to provide comprehensive world-class dental care. We pride ourselves in making sure that all of our patients are fully informed about their oral health so that they can make decisions that are right for their own smiles. If you’d like to schedule your first checkup for 2022, please visit our website or call (817) 594-3806.