The New Year Is Coming Up! How Can I Resolve to Improve My Oral Health?

Many people take January 1st as an opportunity to improve their habits in a few important ways. While adopting smarter eating habits, spending more time with the kids, and exercising more are all noble and wonderful new year’s resolutions, it’s important to remember that making the effort to improve your oral health can enhance your quality of life in many significant ways. Here’s a quick look at a few excellent new year’s resolutions you can make for your oral health.

Start Flossing

Flossing at least once a day is every bit as crucial to your oral health as brushing, but many people neglect this important habit. Unfortunately, not flossing can set a person up for a host of negative oral health consequences such as tooth decay, gum disease, dental stains, and permanent tooth loss. It’s a great idea to begin next year by adopting proper flossing habits. While flossing once daily is usually considered sufficient, flossing between meals is ideal.

See Your Dentist at Least Twice Next Year

The American Dental Association recommends seeing your dentist every six months for routine exams and cleanings. These appointments allow oral health professionals to monitor their patients’ oral health, thoroughly clean the hard-to-reach areas of their mouths, address problems in their early stages, and advise them as to better hygiene practices they can implement at home. Seeing your dentist for a checkup twice a year is a great way to maintain your smile and protect it from infections and injuries.

Quit a Few Destructive Habits

While it’s always a great idea to start a good habit, quitting a bad one can be equally excellent. Consider resolving to kick the following habits next year:

• Tobacco use: Smoked, smokeless, or vaped tobacco products are horrible for your oral health and can inhibit your gums’ ability to fight infection.
• Excessive alcohol consumption: Alcohol is acidic enough to erode your enamel on contact, and it has a dehydrating effect, which will inhibit your mouth’s ability to produce sufficient saliva.
• Using your teeth as tools: Use a box cutter or bottle opener to open packages or bottles instead of your teeth.
• Chewing on non-food items: Materials like ice, wood, metal, and plastic are too tough for your teeth to chew safely.

Don’t let the new year begin without starting a few excellent new habits. Consulting with your dentist can help you understand the best ways to preserve and improve your oral health.

About the Author

Dr. Terry F. Rakowsky earned his dental degree at the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine and refines his skills further with postgraduate coursework from the Las Vegas Institute. He is also a proud member of the American Dental Association and the Pennsylvania Dental Association. His office in Doylestown offers general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry. To learn more about proper oral hygiene, contact his office online or dial (215) 348-2224.