With the new year right around the corner, this is the perfect time to start thinking about what resolutions you want to make. When polled, most Americans cite “getting healthy” as their number-one goal for 2018.
However, experts agree that resolutions this broad actually lead to failure more often than success. In order to create a goal that is accomplishable, it’s important to narrow it down and make your goal as specific as possible. This will ensure that ambiguity doesn’t result in frustration, which many times leads to failure. Here at Josey Lane, we’ve boiled it down, and suggest that 2018 is the year to make your mouth healthy. Here are our tips to get you started!
Dental Cleaning
First, call your dentist to get a dental cleaning. This baseline appointment will serve as a starting point on your journey to a brighter and stronger smile. Even if your teeth feel fine and look good, that doesn’t mean something is happening beneath the surface. Schedule your appointment now since first of the year is a popular time to get everything back on track. Don’t forget to schedule your next appointment while you’re there, too!
Commit to Flossing
Only 40% of Americans claim to floss every day. But brushing alone is not adequate. Plaque can easily build up between each tooth and on the gum line if you skip the flossing part of your routine. This can result in cavities and tooth decay.
Remember, it takes 27 days to create a new habit. Commit to your new flossing habit on January 1, and by February you won’t even have to think about it.
Examine your Diet
Focusing on your oral health this year will in turn benefit your whole body. Cutting back on excess sugar in your diet or making the commitment to stop smoking can help with overall wellness and longevity. The amount of sugar in your diet has a direct correlation to the amount of tooth decay. Instead of cutting out all treats from your diet, try swapping soda for fizzy water or ditching mints for sugar free gum. Small changes will add up.
In addition to eliminating certain foods, consider increasing the number of fruits, vegetables, healthy proteins and dairy in your diet. Many fibrous foods act as natural toothbrushes that scrub your teeth as you eat. Healthy, lean protein sources and dairy can increase the strength of your teeth and jaw bones. This will help prevent against chipped teeth or tooth loss.
Treat Yourself
After you have committed to making these changes, consider treating yourself with tooth whitening. Unfortunately, our teeth can easily become stained due to even drinking beverages such as coffee and wine, or simply as the product of old age. This year, consider tooth whitening to really make your smile pop. Both over-the-counter and in-office whitening will result in a marked change to your smile. Those that have had their teeth whitened note a new sense of confidence about their smile.
This new year don’t skip out on making a resolution or choose one that is difficult to maintain after the first of the year. Resolving to better your oral health will have positive repercussions on your entire body. As many say, the mouth is the window to the body. Ensure you are keeping yourself healthy by protecting your pearly whites!
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