Every new year is about a set of resolutions – goals, and habits we wish and hope to accomplish. An exciting time for change and resolutions, the new year is the time many people pledge to live a healthier and happier life. When it comes to dental health, the New Year’s resolutions for a healthy mouth can go a long way in giving you a healthier smile. Here, at Lincolnway Dental Center, we feel the most important personal hygiene habits start with your mouth. Hence, we have gathered some of the best methods to improve your oral health in the new year to get you a healthy, beautiful smile.

Taking care of teeth and gums is a simple and easy task; you just need to practice some oral hygiene habits properly along with biannual dental checkups.

• Brush twice daily, for two minutes at a time.

The most important thing to keep the mouth healthy is by following a proper oral hygiene habit of brushing twice a day. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush, brush at a 45-degree angle to the gums and gently move the brush back and forth. Also, ensure that you cover the outer, inner, and chewing surfaces of your teeth. We will give you a tip to make your brushing interesting – find a two-minute song you like to brush you.  Replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months to make sure that the bristles aren’t worn down.

• Floss once a day.

Did you know, if you do not floss, you are missing almost 40% of bacteria in your mouth? Brushing your teeth isn’t enough; the only means to remove the food that got stuck between your teeth is flossing. If plaque is allowed to build up on teeth or along the gum line, it can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. Along with professional cleaning and tooth brushing, flossing can help disrupt and remove plaque.

• Visit the dentist for biannual dental cleaning and checkup.

Preventative dentistry is perhaps the best method to keep oral and dental diseases away. It also saves time and money by avoiding expensive dental treatments in the future.  Since oral health is tied to the overall health and wellness of the body, it is important to take care of the mouth for the wellbeing of the body.

• Eat Nutritious food helpful for dental health.

Same as nutritious food can help us maintain a healthy body, eating a well-balanced diet also supports dental health! Following a diet containing plenty of calcium, protein, fruits, vegetables, and water can support your teeth through nutrition.

• Quit Smoking or other Tobacco Products.

Using tobacco can increase the risk for tooth discoloration, cavities, tooth loss, gum recession, gum disease, and cancer. Smokers are about twice as likely to lose their teeth as non-smokers.

• Drink fluoridated water.

Drinking water containing fluoride can make teeth more resistant to the acid that leads to cavities. Fluoridated water is an excellent way to prevent cavities and improve oral health.

• Resolve to replace missing teeth.

If you have a missing tooth, get it replaced this new year. Depending on the number of missing teeth, many options, including dental implants, bridges, dentures, partials, etc., are available as tooth replacement options. When it comes to replacing teeth, remember that the sooner, the better.

• Never let dental phobias stop you from visiting the dentist.

Almost 15% of Americans admit they are terrified of visits to the dentist. This can do more harm than good. If you have dental phobia, visit us, we can assist you in making your dental visit a pleasant one.

Now, the new year has begun, there’s never been a better time to start a healthy oral care habit too. Make your dental health a priority this year. Schedule your appointment with us today; we look forward to continuing to provide you with quality, compassionate dentistry and orthodontics in 2021