5 New Year’s Resolution Ideas to Benefit Your Smile

The beginning of the new year is the perfect time to start fresh! Whether you are committing to exercising more, cooking more at home, or going to sleep earlier, you are taking steps to benefit yourself. If you’re still struggling to come up with a resolution, you don’t need to look any further than your smile. Many of us don’t take all of the steps to maintain excellent oral health, so this is a great opportunity to make chances. Here are some New Year’s resolution ideas to benefit your smile!

Get on Track with Regular Cleaning and Checkups

approximately one third of Americans don’t see their dentist as often as they would like to. Whether you’ve been skipping your checkups because of your busy schedule, or you keep forgetting to make an appointment, not is the time to get back on track. Give your dentist a call to schedule your next visit. Don’t forget to make your following appointment before you leave the office!

Floss More Often

Are you constantly told by your dentist that you aren’t flossing enough? This isn’t something that you can hide. While brushing is helpful at removing plaque and food debris from your mouth, it isn’t enough on its own. There are some areas of your mouth that your toothbrush cannot quite reach. Flossing is necessary to clean between the teeth and beneath the gumline. Place a container of floss next to your toothpaste so you don’t forget.

Stop Smoking

You already know that using tobacco products is back for your health, but did you know that it is specifically harmful for your smile? Smoking doubles your risk for gum disease and many other health issues, including oral cancer. Because this habit can be especially difficult for you to quit, it is important that you find a healthier replacement activity for when the craving kicks in. Talk to your doctor, friends, and family members about the best way you can quit for good.

Ease Up on Sugar

A sugary treat now and again doesn’t usually cause too much harm, but if you are constantly munching on them throughout the day, your smile could be in trouble. Buy fewer sugary sweets when you go grocery shopping and try to find something healthier that will satisfy the craving. For instance, if you enjoy having a cola with your lunch, try trading it with a crisp sparkling water instead. If you enjoy having hard candy, try keeping a pack of sugar-free gum with you as an alternative.

Eat Tooth-Friendly Foods

Not all of your favorite foods are bad for your teeth, even if it may seem that way. Some foods are actually good for your oral health. Try adding in a few extra healthy foods into your diet. For example, dairy products contain lots of calcium and are therefore excellent for your teeth. Try having a glass of milk or yogurt for breakfast. Cheese, apples, carrots, pears, celery, cranberries, and almonds are also great choices.

To keep up a healthy smile in 2023, consider implementing some of the things listed above. Your teeth will be thanking you!

About the Author

Dr. Vance Harper earned his dental doctorate from Tuft’s School of Dental Medicine in Boston before advancing his knowledge and skills with an advanced degree in General Dentistry through his residency at the NYU College of Dentistry. He has also received his Certification from the New York Implant Institute. To learn more about keeping your smile healthy, or to schedule an appointment at his office in West Hartford, visit his website or call (860) 236-4249.