4 New Year’s Resolutions to Ensure a Healthier Smile in 2022

Are you ready to make a change for 2022? Do you long for better oral health? Do you want your teeth to look and feel their best? If so, you might consider adopting these four New Year’s Resolutions! Don’t just commit to taking better care of your body. Make your smile a priority, too!  

Trade the Sweets for Healthier Choices

Your diet is one of the most pivotal yet, underestimated components of a healthy smile. Most people assume what you eat only impacts your waistline, but the truth is everything you ingest must first go through the oral cavity. Food particles and bacteria can be left behind to break down tooth enamel and cause decay, cavities, and gum disease to form. By swapping out sugars and starches for fruits, vegetables, leafy greens, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy items, you will not only keep your waistline slim, but you’ll also notice an improvement in the health of your teeth and gums.

Kickstart the Year with Positive Oral Habits

If all you committed to in 2021 was to brush your teeth in the morning and at night, make sure you step up your game this coming year by adding flossing and rinsing to your routine. Brushing twice a day for two minutes is important but so is flossing at least once a day before going to bed and rinsing with an ADA-approved mouthwash. These three key habits will help to eliminate bad bacteria and minimize your risk for the most common oral health problems. Don’t get lazy when it comes to your dental hygiene. Take the time to care for your smile and prepare for positive feedback during your next checkup.

Drink Lots of Water

It seems nowadays everyone is buying these large jugs that are designed to keep a person on track with regard to their water consumption throughout the day. If you’ve slacked off on drinking enough H2O this year, go ahead and find a product that will help you stay on track. Drinking plenty of water not only flushes out your system of any toxins but also keeps your salivary glands working at an optimal level. Instead of living with a dry mouth, you can stay hydrated and avoid gum disease and cavities caused by accumulated bacteria inside the oral cavity. Not to mention, the more water your drink, the fuller you’ll feel, so you’ll be less likely to snack, which is also great for reducing your risk of cavities.

Use Your Dental Benefits to See Your Dentist

If you have dental insurance, make it a point to see your dentist twice for regular dental checkups and cleanings. Many insurers provide 80-100% coverage for these visits, allowing you to improve your oral health at little or no cost to you. These visits do more than help you save money. They also allow your dentist to catch problems early on and avoid serious and costly care in the future.

Add these four resolutions to your list and make 2022 the year you embrace better oral health.

About the Author
Dr. Warren Hoffman is a dentist in North Sarasota who received his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree in Baltimore, Maryland. He then went on to complete an externship during his senior year, providing dental services to stationed members of the United States Coast Guard in Honolulu, Hawaii. At Parkway Ridge Dental, he and his team are here to provide helpful tips designed to give your smile a boost in 2022. Contact us at (941) 358-8830 to learn which New Year’s Resolutions you should add to your list!