These Are Your Top Dental Health Resolutions for 2020
Keeping up with New Year’s resolutions can feel difficult once you get back into your normal routine after the holidays. That’s why it’s so important to make healthy habits a regular part of your daily routine for your best chances of success!
The health of your teeth and gums is important to keep up with this year as we move into 2020. Fortunately, prioritizing your oral care means practicing just a few simple habits, and, of course, visiting your dentist in Asheville regularly.
The following should be on your list for your top dental health resolutions for 2020!
Keep Up With Your Oral Hygiene
It goes without saying that brushing and flossing are some of the biggest defenders against oral disease, including tooth decay and periodontal (gum) disease.
Most people have a routine of brushing twice a day, but if you’re in the habit of only brushing once, skipping brushing on your days off, or reaching for sugarless gum instead of reaching for your toothbrush, it’s time to shift gears for 2020.
Make it a habit to brush twice a day for two minutes. That’s four minutes every day that you can easily dedicate to keeping your teeth healthy! There’s no need to brush after every meal in fact, you should wait at least 30 minutes and ideally 60 after eating to brush!
Drink More Water
It’s hard to understate the importance of water for your teeth and gums. Water not only helps to hydrate your body, which can work to prevent dry mouth, but also helps to rinse your mouth throughout the day, helping to get rid of leftover food particles that could stick to your teeth and cause enamel damage.
Incorporate more water into your daily routine this year aim to carry a bottle with you that you can refill at work or while out. How much water should you be getting? While individual needs will vary based on your weight, activity level, and other factors, a general rule is to get a minimum of 2 liters (about 8.5 cups) a day, which you can get from foods as well. Just remember that caffeinated beverages and alcohol don’t count towards your water intake!
Floss Every Day
Daily flossing is essential to cleaning your mouth. Your toothbrush simply can’t reach all those small spaces in between your teeth. Flossing is necessary to remove bacteria, plaque, and food particles that can build up between your teeth and lead to bad breath, tooth decay, and gum disease.
Make it a habit to floss every day. It doesn’t matter if you floss in the morning or the evening, and once a day is all you need to see the benefits. Flossing is an investment into your smile that can save you money in the long run!
Eat Better
Your diet absolutely affects your oral health. Eating a diet high in processed foods and refined sugar increases your risk for tooth decay and gum disease. While you don’t have to eat healthy 100 percent of the time to see the benefits, make it a goal this year to eat nutritious, whole foods the majority of the time.
Start small make one meal a day a nutritious one, then gradually increase to two, then make your snacks more wholesome. This includes adding more vegetables, fruits, healthy proteins such as nuts and beans, and, of course, drinking water instead of sugary beverages. This will be an investment into both your oral and bodily health that you won’t regret!
Make That Cosmetic Dentistry Appointment
What better time than now to invest in your perfect smile? If you’re unhappy with the way your smile looks, schedule a cosmetic dentistry consultation to review your options. Many dentists in Asheville offer affordable treatments that can dramatically improve the appearance of your teeth, whether you opt for an in-office teeth whitening or are considering dental veneers.
This year, don’t put off your perfect smile any longer. Make a goal to schedule that appointment and see if you qualify for cosmetic dentistry options that could improve your smile for life!
Get an Oral Cancer Screening
Whether or not you smoke or use tobacco products, getting an oral cancer screening is important. Fortunately, your dentist in Asheville can conduct a simple and painless oral cancer screening during your regular checkup. Catching oral cancer early can make all the difference for a successful treatment.
If you smoke, quitting is always an option. There are more resources than ever before for people who want to quit in 2020. Talk to your dentist, primary care doctor, or find support online to set your quit date!
Reduce Your Intake of Things That Can Hurt Your Smile
If your goal is to be healthier this year, reducing your intake of substances that can hurt your smile can also support your bodily health! These substances include tobacco, other types of smoking, alcohol, soda, and excess refined sugar.
You don’t have to try to reduce everything at once. Again, start small try giving up alcohol for a week and see how that goes, or aim to reduce your intake of refined sugar. Your body and your smile will thank you for these small but significant changes!
Commit to Those Checkups!
You miss more than clean teeth when you miss your checkup with your dentist. In addition to a professional teeth cleaning and oral cancer screening, your Asheville dentist can catch tooth decay or gum disease early, which can not only eliminate the need for extensive or costly treatment, but give you your best chance for a healthy smile.
This year, commit to regular dental checkups. They typically don’t take long but can make a big impact on your smile. The best part is that regular checkups and cleanings can help reduce stains from building up on your teeth, which means you can have a whiter, brighter smile simply by taking care of your teeth and gums!
Get in Touch With Us
At Saunders DDS, we’re invested in our patients and are dedicated to helping you have the healthiest smile possible. We’re a full-service dental practice in Asheville serving both adults and children. Get in touch with us today to learn more about our dental services by calling us at (828) 277-6060, or to schedule an appointment with us. All of us at Saunders DDS wish you a very happy and healthy 2020!