Achieve Your Healthiest Smile Yet with These 4 New Year’s Resolutions

Did you have a cavity or two in 2023? Maybe you aced both of your dental checkups and want to ensure the same thing happens this year. Whatever the case may be, there’s no time like the present to establish good oral hygiene best practices. With this in mind, here are four New Year’s Resolutions for a healthier smile!

1. Add More Vegetables into Your Diet

Instead of focusing on what you want to remove from your diet, think about what you can add. Vegetables are a great example because their nutrient-dense nature helps your body fight off infections that could negatively impact your teeth and gums. The good news is that you can start small; something as simple as adding one serving to your breakfast, lunch, or dinner can make a big difference!

2. Commit to Flossing Each Evening

It’s a common misconception that you don’t need to floss. The reality is that if you only brush, about 40% of the surface of your teeth still harbor food particles, plaque, and other debris. So, if you haven’t been consistent with this oral hygiene step (or you’ve neglected it entirely), now is the time to implement it into your daily routine.

3. Replace Your Toothbrush Every Three Months

Just like you wouldn’t use a dirty sponge to clean your dishes, you shouldn’t use a dirty toothbrush to clean your teeth. That’s why the American Dental Association recommends replacing your toothbrush (or toothbrush head) every quarter. If you have a hard time remembering, put a note on your bathroom mirror or create a reminder in your phone!

4. Quit Smoking (or Any Other Unhealthy Dental Habits)

Tobacco products can negatively impact your oral health in several ways – from increasing your risk of oral cancer to delaying healing from tooth extractions and other procedures. So, make 2024 the year you quit! Of course, this applies to more than just smoking. If you bite your nails, chew on the back of your pen, or use your teeth as tools, now is the time to put a plan in place to quit.

About the Doctor

With two skilled dentists for parents, Dr. Zack Walker saw from a young age how positive of an impact dentistry could have on the lives of others. So, when it came time to pursue his career, he chose to follow in his parents’ footsteps! After graduating from Wake Forest University, he earned his dental doctorate from the University of North Carolina School of Dentistry and underwent an Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) program. If you want to schedule an appointment with him, get in touch with us via his website or by phone at (336) 993-3727.