5 Resolutions for a Healthier Smile in 2023

What kind of care are you giving your smile? Even if you’re brushing twice a day and visiting your dentist every six months, chances are there’s still room for improvement. Since the New Year has just started, now is a great time to start finding ways to take better care of your teeth and gums. Here are 5 New Year’s resolutions that your dentist might suggest for maintaining excellent oral health in 2023.

1. Start Flossing Every Day

Flossing can help you reduce your risk for cavities and gum disease by giving you a reliable way to remove plaque and food particles from the hard-to-reach areas between your teeth. However, statistics show that many Americans floss less than they should or don’t floss at all. The sooner you turn flossing into a habit, the safer your smile will be. If you find using traditional string floss to be too difficult, try using floss picks or a water flosser to do the job instead.

2. Brush Longer

Many dentists say that each brushing session should last at least two minutes, but on average most people only brush for about 45 seconds. If you want to keep your teeth safe from cavities, you need to make an effort to clean them as thoroughly as possible. Set a timer before every brushing session to ensure that it lasts as long as it needs to.

3. Drink Fewer Acidic Beverages

Sodas and sports drinks may taste great, but they can also be very harmful to your teeth. Many of these beverages are as acidic as pure lemon juice, and as a result, they can severely wear down your enamel if you drink them too often. You don’t have to give up acidic beverages altogether, but try limiting them to just one a day. It helps to take a sip of water afterward; that way, you can rinse away the acids in your mouth before they can do too much damage.

4. Snack Less

It takes time for your saliva to wash away the harmful food particles and acids that are left in your mouth when you’re done eating. If you’re constantly snacking throughout the day, the process will be extended even longer, and as a result, you’ll be more likely to develop cavities. You can protect your oral health by making an effort to snack less during the day.

5. Keep Yourself Hydrated

If you’re not drinking enough water, your body won’t produce enough saliva, resulting in a dry mouth where harmful bacteria can easily thrive. To keep your smile safe throughout the year, make it a habit to sip water throughout the day so that your mouth stays moist.

About the Author

Dr. Jacob Milner loves changing the way people view coming to the dentist. He always takes the time to make each visit a comfortable experience, and he enjoys educating his patients so that they can make the right decisions for their oral health. If you would like to schedule your first dental appointment of 2023 with Dr. Milner at Dolfield Dental of Owings Mills, visit his website or call (410) 902-4110.