A new year is finally upon us, and whether you’re trying to lose a few pounds, cut a bad habit from your life, or pick up a new hobby, you might be hoping that you’re able to maintain your resolutions for the long run. One additional resolution that you should strive to achieve is maintaining excellent oral health, and it’s actually not as difficult as you might think! Here are some tips from your dentist to help you achieve the brightest and healthiest smile possible moving forward into the new year.
Tip #1: Upgrade Your Oral Hygiene Routine
Maybe you’re hoping that 2023 is the year you finally maintain an excellent oral hygiene routine—so why not upgrade your routine to ensure optimal oral health? If you don’t already, be sure that you’re brushing twice a day using a soft-bristled toothbrush coupled with fluoride toothpaste, flossing daily, and using an antibacterial mouthwash regularly. You might also consider upgrading your equipment by purchasing an electric toothbrush or water flosser; these tools can clean your smile even more effectively than their traditional counterparts!
Tip #2: Stick to a Healthier Diet
What you eat has a significant impact on your oral health; everything you consume can become fuel for bacteria in your mouth and contribute to issues like tooth decay, cavities, gum disease, and other conditions that harm your smile’s health and beauty. Try to limit your intake of sugary and starchy items if you can, and opt for healthier options like vegetables and fruit, low-fat dairy products, and lean proteins. You might also consider reducing the amount of snacking you do between meals this year!
Tip #3: Stay Hydrated
Did you know that water is the absolute best beverage for your body and your oral health? Not only does drinking water regularly help to rinse your mouth out and keep it clear of lingering debris, but it also promotes your natural flow of saliva, which is your mouth’s first line of defense against cavity-causing bacteria!
Tip #4: Quit Bad Oral Habits
If you’re a smoker, you should try to make this the year that you finally kick the habit! Smoking is notoriously one of the worst oral habits you can partake in, as cigarettes and tobacco products are responsible for a slew of oral and bodily health issues alike! Tobacco can also stain your teeth in addition to increasing your risk of serious dental problems.
Tip #5: Schedule Regular Preventive Care
You should enter 2023 with a plan to schedule regular preventive dental care; this is the absolute best way to ensure your smile looks and feels great for this year and beyond! During these visits, your dentist can inspect your mouth for underlying oral issues and provide a detailed level of cleaning that you cannot carry out yourself at home.
About the Practice
The team at Painted Skies Dental Center is thrilled to serve the dental needs of patients and families in the Las Cruces, NM area. They’re pleased to offer a wide range of preventive, cosmetic, and restorative options and are certain to help you get your smile set up for a healthy 2023! To schedule a visit or request additional information, feel free to visit their website or give them a call: (575) 521-8720.