Seven New Year's Resolutions for Improved Dental Health
January presents an ideal opportunity to formulate new year's resolutions geared towards enhancing your dental health and cultivating habits that contribute to the well-being of your teeth.
1). Floss everyday
Consistent flossing is a key preventative measure against gum disease. Enhancing your daily oral care practices offers a straightforward avenue to boost your overall health, making it an attainable new year's resolution to prioritise your dental well-being. Achieve effective plaque removal by brushing at least twice a day with an appropriately chosen toothbrush and a fluoridated toothpaste. Dedicate a moment each day to flossing, eliminating any unwanted food remnants that may have accumulated throughout the day. Making a habit of daily flossing marks the initial stride towards maintaining lifelong dental health.
2). Healthy eating
Your food choices and eating habits not only impact your overall health but also play a crucial role in maintaining the well-being of your teeth and gums. Prioritise a well-balanced diet with a focus on calcium-rich foods like yoghurt, cheese, and low-fat or fat-free milk to fortify your teeth and bones. For those adhering to a plant-based diet, fortified soy milk, beans, and lentils serve as excellent sources of calcium. As part of your commitment to healthy eating, it's essential to minimise sugar intake. Sugar acts as a catalyst for plaque and bacteria, leading to acid production that can harm your enamel. Additionally, excessive sugar consumption is associated with various cardiovascular issues, including heat attacks and strokes.
3). Quit alcohol
While some take up the Dry January Challenge, abstaining from alcohol for the month, a common pattern emerges where individuals revert to drinking or engage in binge drinking post-challenge to compensate for their efforts. Alcohol consumption not only poses a risk to tooth decay but can also accelerate its progression. While complete abstinence may not be feasible for everyone, reducing alcohol intake can significantly enhance overall well-being.
4). Exercise more
Certainly, maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle not only benefits your overall well-being but also has a positive impact on your oral health. Exercise plays a roll in reducing toxins within the body and decreasing C-reactive proteins, integral components of the inflammatory response. Moreover, regular exercise tends to influence better dietary choices, further enhancing both your oral and overall health. By incorporating physical activity into your routine, you're taking a significant step towards fulfilling those New Year's resolutions for better dental health!
5). Brush your teeth at least twice a day
It may seem like common knowledge, but a noteworthy fact is that one in five Brits only brushes their teeth once a day - a concerning statistic for dental professionals. To understand how to maintain healthy teeth, it's crucial to grasp the significance of proper dental care. The initial step involves recognising the importance of brushing. When you brush your teeth, you effectively eliminated bacteria from your mouth. If left unchecked, these bacteria can damage the enamel, gradually weakening the gums and roots, leading to tooth decay. A particularly crucial time to brush your teeth is before bedtime. This is significant because overnight, plaque formation is largely undisturbed.
