4 New Year’s Resolutions to Ensure a Healthy Smile

Already have a list of New Year’s Resolutions in North Sarasota you plan to accomplish before 2022? You’re not alone. From weight loss to a new career, the opportunities for positive change are endless. But have you thought about ways you can improve your oral health? If you want more than your waistline or job duties to look different this year, why not add these 4 resolutions to your list? Read on to find out what you can do to start seeing a healthier, more beautiful smile in 2021.

Don’t Forget to Floss

If you want to ensure a full, complete cleaning when caring for your smile, don’t forget to floss. Brushing might be easy but if you want to avoid increasing your risk for cavities and gum disease, it’s necessary that you take the additional time to correctly floss between your teeth (including the backsides of those located toward the back of your mouth). Your toothbrush can only clear away surface stains and bacteria located on the surfaces of your teeth. Floss gets to the crevices of your smile and removes food particles and bacteria that can eat away at your tooth enamel and spread beneath the gum line.

Kick the Habit…For Good

Ready to say goodbye to the cigarettes, cigars, and/or vape pens? There’s no better time than the start of a new year to officially kick the habit. Not only does the addictive nicotine found in these products damage your lungs and overall health, but it elevates your risk for gum disease and causes your teeth to become discolored over time. If you need help to stop this bad habit, look for cessation resources and groups in the North Sarasota area.

Start Eating Healthy Foods

Now that the holidays are over, it’s time to swap out any remaining sugary sweets for healthier alternatives like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, low-fat dairy, and leafy greens. Filled with protein, calcium, and nutrient-rich vitamins and minerals, these optimal food choices will not only slim your waistline, but they will also strengthen your teeth and keep your smile healthy, beautiful, and shining bright well into 2021.

Don’t Skip Your Dental Visits

It is recommended that you see your dentist every six months for regular dental checkups and cleanings. Each time you cancel or reschedule for a later date, you increase your chances of developing serious oral health problems that result in necessary restorative or emergency dental care to fix. If you want to keep more money in your pocket and avoid frequent trips to the dentist because of a chipped or decayed tooth, make sure to keep your six-month appointments and let the professionals take care of your smile.

Following these tips and making significant changes to your daily routine can make a big difference in the way your smile looks and feels. Don’t wait around for the “next Monday” to arrive. Start these New Year’s Resolutions today!

About the Author
Dr. Warren Hoffman is a dentist in North Sarasota who attended dental school in Baltimore, Maryland, and received his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree. 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 of dental professionals want you to have a beautiful, healthy smile in North Sarasota. Apart from the preventive services offered, he can provide helpful patient education to ensure you have the tools you need to keep your teeth and gums decay- and disease-free. Contact us at (941) 358-8830 to learn what tools and tips you need while working on your smile at home.