A New Year and New Resolutions for the Health of Your Smile

Every year, the new year rolls in and you make a lot of resolutions. Many people will resolve to be more attentive to their health, but are you forgetting just how important oral health is to the equation? Take a look at a few New Year’s resolutions you can make to ensure the upcoming year means way more smiles.

Resolve to visit the dentist at least twice a year.

Getting a checkup once a year and having your teeth cleaned twice a year is an important part of a good overall oral health plan. According to the American Dental Association, 100 million people fail to see a dentist every year, and many of those people will see their oral health decline because of that fact. Regular dental checkups and cleanings are imperative because:

• Your dentist gets the chance to monitor changes in your oral health that could be indicative of other problems
• Problems with cavity and decay can be tended to immediately before a tooth is beyond the point of repair
• You can prevent issues with plaque and tartar buildup that affect the health of your mouth

Resolve to quit smoking or using smokeless tobacco products.

Many people vow to quit using tobacco products at the beginning of a new year. While it is always good for your health to kick the bad habits of smoking or using smokeless tobacco for your overall health, it is also a good resolution for the health of your smile. People who smoke or use smokeless tobacco are more prone to:

• Oral infections
• Gum disease
• Tooth decay
• Losing teeth

Resolve to eat plenty of crunchy veggies.

If you’ve already made resolutions about eating better then fitting in more crunchy veggies shouldn’t be an issue. One perk of eating a lot of crunchy vegetables is the fact that they actually help slough plaque and tarter off of your teeth. Raw broccoli, carrots, celery, cauliflower, and other dense foods can help keep your teeth clean between brushings.

Visit Travis Wilson Family Dentistry for a Smiling New Year

Your New Year’s resolutions are always worth keeping. Reach out to us at Travis Wilson Family Dentistry in Owensboro and Beaver Dam if you need help keeping your resolutions for the new year.