New Years Dental Resolutions

The new year is full of resolutions and commitments to make the coming year better than the last. While most people are thinking about losing weight or saving more money, you shouldn't forget about doing more to protect your teeth in the coming year either. Here are several dental resolutions that will make 2017 a healthier and better year for your teeth.

Ok, we know that if you're a smoker, you've heard calls to quit plenty of times before. But this year should be the year to face facts. Smoking is doing absolutely nothing good for your health. Smoking is especially rough on your overall dental health, and every year you smoke, your teeth suffer. Chances are everyone has recommended some fool proof way to stop smoking by now, and we won't annoy you with additional quitting advice. However, it is always good to remember that anytime you're not smoking is a victory. If you need additional support, try stop smoking groups or visit your doctor for help.

Far too many Americans are guilty of not flossing, but it is a quick and simple way to improve your dental health. It only takes a couple minutes per day, and it can help reduce plaque buildup, make brushing more effective and freshen your breath by removing food particles. This year simply commit to doing it more often. Make sure you have plenty of floss in your bathroom cabinet, and opt for flossing picks if you don't like using string floss. One other thing - if you've heard rumors that flossing isn't important on the news, take them with a grain of salt. Flossing is still well worth doing, and we outline more about it in Is Flossing Worthwhile?

Aside from smoking, sugar can be extremely harmful to your teeth. Make it a point to limit how much sugar you eat this year. Keep the sugar packets on the table and out of your drinks when you eat out, and try to cook without sugar whenever possible at home. Of course, you'll need to limit your intake of sweet treats as well. Try to substitute sugary meals with vegetables, which can actually have a positive effect on your teeth and help clean them. With sugar intake linked to obesity and heart disease, this is one resolution that is well worth sticking to this year.

If you're concerned about your brushing habits, this year may be the year to upgrade to an electric toothbrush. Most people find that an electric brush will remove more plaque than a manual one, especially if they don't have especially strong brushing habits. As long as you don't put an extreme amount of pressure on your teeth when you use an electric brush, they are generally safe to use. Learn more about selecting an electric tooth brush in Manual vs. Electric Toothbrushes.

Every year a lot of people skip their yearly dental checkups. If you're overdue for a visit, make sure you get an appointment scheduled early this year so you don't end up procrastinating. A checkup gives your dentist a chance to clean your teeth and evaluate potential future problems, and it's well worth your time to stop in and get everything checked out. Contact Grace & Leedy Family Dentistry and get your checkup scheduled today.