The new year is here, and if you’re like most people, you’ve made a variety of resolutions. Some focus on physical fitness, some on losing weight, some on learning new things, some on saving money.
But have you considered dental resolutions?
At Portrait Dental, we like all our patients to aim for better dental habits each year. To get you started, here are four ways to a healthier smile this new year.
Want a healthy smile? Maintaining good oral hygiene is the foundation of that smile. Your parents have been telling you since you were a kid to brush your teeth at least twice a day — and they were right. Brushing after every meal is even better. Add in flossing once a day, and your oral health will improve dramatically as bacteria and food particles are swept away, lowering your chances of cavities and gum disease.
As good as brushing and flossing are, it’s also vital that you have a professional dental cleaning and exam twice a year. Your dentist uses specific tools to remove the plaque and tartar buildup that your toothbrush simply can’t reach.
Dr. Minh Nguyen will also do a thorough oral exam to check for any problems. Regular visits allow any issues to be caught early rather than waiting until they’ve become a major problem.
Not only is a healthier diet good for your waistline, but eating less sugar and more fruits, vegetables, and dairy helps your teeth to be as healthy as possible. These foods are full of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that will strengthen your teeth, including their enamel and roots.
When you do have sugar (let’s be real, you won’t give it up entirely), make sure you brush as soon as possible afterwards so it doesn’t have time to cause decay. Don’t have access to a toothbrush? Rinse your mouth with water.
This is the flip side of eating well. Not only do you need to start eating well, but you also need to stop doing what you shouldn’t. This includes breaking habits, such as tobacco consumption (causes discoloration), chewing ice (can crack teeth), and drinking too many dark liquids like wine and coffee (can stain and dull your teeth).
If you need to kick off your dental resolutions with a visit to your dentist, our team at Portrait Dental is happy to help. Just call our Katy office or use our online scheduler to book your first appointment of the year!
