4 Habits to Bring With You Into the New Year

While there are many New Year’s resolutions to consider, did you ever stop to think about how you could have them focus on your oral health? Not only can you reduce your risk of cavities, gum disease, and dental emergencies, but you can save money on restorative treatments in the long-term. If you aren’t sure where to start, don’t worry, a dentist in Kernersville has four ways for you to get started on protecting your smile today!

Perfect Your Brushing and Flossing

At-home oral care matters. After all, you don’t visit the dentist every day, which means your oral hygiene will need to be optimized to keep plaque and tartar at bay. For starters, make sure that you are brushing for at least two minutes at a time and holding your brush at a 45-degree angle when brushing your teeth and gumline. To make brushing easier, consider purchasing an electric toothbrush as well (although this is not mandatory to protect your oral health).

What is necessary, however, is flossing at least once a day. This works to keep food debris and plaque on the sides of teeth out of your mouth. For easier flossing, consider purchasing monofilament varieties. These dental floss brands are much thinner and easier to slide in between teeth without damaging enamel.

Quit Tobacco for Good

Tobacco has been proven to be one of the leading causes of gum disease. Furthermore, gum disease remains to be the leading cause of tooth loss in adults, giving you even more incentive to kick the habit however you can. While support groups dedicated to quitting tobacco are available, it’s also worth speaking with a general practitioner for guidance. Doing so will also reduce the risk of stains on teeth and help you avoid chronic bad breath.

Cut Back On Your Sugar Consumption

The more sugar you consume, the higher your risk for cavities becomes. When you cut back on sugar, your not giving oral bacteria the substance it needs to produce plaque acids. These acids wear away at enamel and irritate gum tissue, putting you at higher risk for dental disease. One of the best ways to cut back on sugar is to start transitioning away from soda or other sweet beverages. Swap it out for water instead.

Maintain a Regular Dental Checkup

No amount of oral care can match a professional cleaning from a dental office. Not only can they clean the hard-to-reach areas of your mouth, but they can remove tartar (calcified plaque) and examine your mouth for underlying dental problems you may not have known about previously.

Make 2021 the year that you took your oral health seriously. Get in touch with a dentist today and learn how you can make your oral care habits the best they can be!

About the Author

Dr. Zach Walker gladly works with patients of all ages and listens to their smile goals directly. Whenever you visit him for a routine checkup or other dental treatments, you can expect a kind, caring, and accommodating dental professional who offers detailed exams, thorough cleanings, and a wide range of other services designed to protect your long-term oral health. To schedule an appointment, you can contact him through his website.