And just like that, 2020 is over! If you are like nearly 50% of Americans, you are using this fresh start to turn over a new leaf and create a list of New Year’s resolutions. While things like “be more active” and “focus on a healthier work/life balance” typically make the list, why not add a few smile-friendly ones as well? Here are four ideas to get you started!
#1. Make Healthier Food and Beverage Choices
Did you know that the average American consumes nearly 152 pounds of sugar in one year? That translates to about 6 cups per week. Not only can this copious amount of sugar wreak havoc on your overall health, but it can also lead to decay, gum disease, and other serious dental issues. Fortunately, you can prevent that from happening by making healthier food and beverage choices, like drinking water instead of soda and eating fresh fruit instead of candy.
#2. Schedule Your Dental Checkup and Teeth Cleaning
Between the COVID-19 shutdown and the end-of-the-year hustle and bustle, you may have missed one or both of your dental visits in 2020. So, it is more important than ever to get your checkup and cleaning on the calendar. Not only do these visits catch cavities in the early stages and provide your teeth with a thorough cleaning, but they also play a crucial role in detecting non-dental issues, like oral cancer. With this in mind, start the year off on the right foot by scheduling your dental appointment!
#3. Floss, Floss, Floss!
Over time, more and more patients have come to believe that flossing is optional. In reality, it is just as important as brushing! After all, brushing alone only cleans about 60% of your teeth’s surface, allowing food particles, plaque, and bacteria to wreak havoc on your oral cavity. Therefore, if your flossing tool has been collecting dust, there is no time like the present to start again!
#4. Kick the Habit
Do you love to chew on ice? Is your first reaction to bite your nails when you are stressed or bored? Do you use tobacco products? If you answered “yes,” then kicking the habit should definitely be on your list of smile-friendly resolutions. Each has the potential to break, crack, or otherwise compromise the condition of your teeth and gums, so quit before it has the chance to!
2021 comes with endless opportunities to grow personally and professionally. Fortunately, pristine oral health and a beautiful smile can help you in both those areas! Just use the above list of resolutions to take the next step toward a healthier smile.
About the Author
Dr. Megan A. Shelton earned her dental doctorate at the University of Louisville School of Dentistry, and she has been helping people achieve their smile goals ever since! To provide the latest techniques to her patients in the Carlsbad area, she completes numerous hours of continuing education each year and maintains multiple memberships with professional organizations like the American Dental Association and the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. If you want to focus on achieving a healthy smile this year, don’t hesitate to visit her website or give her a call at 760-388-6773.
