Around this time of year, it’s common to reflect on what went right in 2023 and what needs to change to make 2024 even better. If you have some health-related goals on your list, then don’t forget about your teeth and gums too! If you’re not sure where to begin, consider these five New Year’s resolutions that will benefit your smile.
1. Floss Each Morning or Evening – No Exceptions
Whether you aren’t consistent about flossing or you never floss at all, there’s no better time to turn over a new leaf. Remember, brushing alone won’t effectively clean between your teeth and can leave food particles and plaque along your gum line. For the greatest chances of a decay and infection-free smile in 2024, you need to floss each morning or evening.
2. Get a New Toothbrush Every Quarter
Has it been more than three months since you got a new toothbrush (or toothbrush head)? Then it’s time to get a new one! After all, using frayed and old bristles to clean your teeth is like using a dirty sponge to clean your dishes – it just doesn’t work. To help you keep this New Year’s resolution, set a reminder on your phone or put a note on your bathroom mirror.
3. Add More Vegetables to Your Diet
Sometimes, focusing on what you should remove from your diet can backfire, causing you to over-indulge in sugary and starchy foods down the line. Consider thinking of what you can add instead! Broccoli, carrots, celery, eggplant, and other colorful vegetables are a great place to start since they are packed with essential vitamins and nutrients.
4. Switch to Sugar-Free Gum
If you keep gum on-hand so your breath is always minty-fresh, then make sure the next pack you buy is sugar-free. If it isn’t, then your teeth are at a higher risk of developing decay, especially since the sugars can linger for hours on end. Don’t worry – there are a wide variety of flavors, so you won’t be missing the taste, just the sugar!
5. Use a Straw When Drinking Coffee
The good news is that you don’t have to give up this caffeinated beverage for the sake of your smile in 2024. Instead, try using a straw! This will help prevent enamel erosion as well as stubborn stains. It’s also worth considering using a straw with all dark-colored beverages, including wine and soda.
About the Practice
At Advanced Dental Concepts, our goal is to help each of our patients in Dyer maintain, restore, and enhance their smiles. That means offering a wide range of treatments at our conveniently located office and being here to answer questions and provide recommendations between visits. If you are interested in learning more about how you can improve your oral health in 2024, then schedule an appointment with us via our website or by phone at (219) 322-3418.