As we enter a new year, many of us will have made New Year’s resolutions. But have you considered your oral health? Here are a few tooth-friendly resolutions for 2023.
1. Regular Dental Visits
This year could be the year that you do visit your dentist as often as you should. Start your year with a visit to your dentist and hygienist.
Routine visits to your dentist can help to reveal existing or potential dental problems, whilst your hygienist can remove any plaque build-up and provide tips for ongoing care at home.
Tip: Scheduling your next routine appointment at the end of your current appointment will help you to keep on track.
2. Commit to Your Daily Dental Habits
The festive season can take us out of our usual routine, so now is the time to get back on track with our tooth-brushing habits. Make sure you are cleaning in between your teeth using Tepe brushes or floss, and ensure that you are using your toothbrush for two minutes, twice a day.
Tip: Why not search the January Sales for an electric toothbrush? Their built-in timers will ensure that you are brushing for two minutes every time.
3. Focus on Your Diet
At the start of the year many of us focus on our diet, usually with the aim of losing weight. However, changes to our diet can also benefit our oral health. Cutting down on sugary drinks and snacks can limit attacks on our enamel, therefore reducing the risk of tooth decay.
Tip: Try snacking on vegetables or nuts instead of reaching for the chocolate.
4. Quit Smoking
It may be time to finally kick the habit. Smoking isn’t just bad for your overall health; it’s bad for your oral health, too. Not only does smoking increase the risk of cancer, it also increases the risk of gum disease, cavities and gum recession, which can all lead to tooth loss.
Tip: Download a progress-tracking app to help keep up your motivation.
5. Drink More Water
Drinking more water can improve your oral health, as well as your overall health. Not only can water help you to consume less sugar, it also helps to wash away bacteria left on your teeth throughout the day, which helps to reduce your risk of tooth decay.
Tip: Use a water bottle that tracks your daily intake to make sure that you’re consuming the recommended 2 litres per day.
6. Complete any Outstanding Dental Treatment
Have you been putting off that filling or root canal treatment? Delaying recommended dental treatment can mean tooth loss further down the line. Schedule an appointment with your dentist for that specific procedure or treatment.
Tip: If you are delaying treatment for financial reasons, call our friendly reception team on 01844 215404 to discuss your payment options.
