Your Guide to New Year Dental Resolutions for Optimal Oral Health and Wealth

As we wind down 2023 and the New Year starts to unfold, many resolutions revolve around enriching both health and wealth. And those aspirations are easy to extend to your dental care, which will actually help with your finances! After all, prevention remains the cornerstone of sound dental health, and the adage holds true: a dollar saved is a dollar earned!

Starting Habits for a Lifetime

The journey to optimal dental care begins with integrating habits into your daily routine. Activities such as cleaning between your teeth, which we don’t want to neglect, can evolve from being a chore to an activity you may not mind. Regular brushing and flossing may surprise you with outcomes such as less sensitive gums, reduced bleeding, and the sensation of a freshly cleaned smile!

Here are a few things you can add to your daily routine if you haven’t already:

• Gentle brushing for two minutes twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush

• Holding the brush at a 45-degree angle to the gum line

• Use fluoride toothpaste for overall dental health

• Consistent flossing or using interdental brushes at least once a day

Beyond the realm of oral hygiene routines, dietary choices play a huge role in preserving your smile. Your diet can either be a positive influence on the overall health of your teeth or it can potentially leading to cavities and gum disease.

Consider these tips for a healthier diet:

• Limit consumption of sugary or acidic foods and beverages.

• Minimize snacking between meals.

• Rinse your mouth with water after consuming meals or sugary drinks.

• Incorporate plenty of fruits, vegetables, and nutrient-packed foods into your diet.

• Consult with your dental or medical professional to ensure your diet provides sufficient vitamins and nutrients for strong teeth.

Surprisingly, saliva plays a pivotal role in maintaining dental health by providing minerals to tooth enamel, neutralizing acidity, and aiding in the removal of food debris. Dry mouth (xerostomia) can contribute to various dental problems, underscoring the importance of keeping saliva flowing.

These tips can reduce dry mouth:

• Chew sugar-free gum to promote saliva production.

• Avoid excessive alcohol consumption or illegal drug use that can lead to dry mouth.

• Check with your medical or dental professional regarding medications that may reduce saliva production.

• Stay hydrated by drinking water regularly.

Regular dental check-ups are super important to maintaining optimal oral health. Visiting your dental professional at least twice a year, or every six months, serves as a preventive measure, enabling the early detection and intervention of dental issues. By budgeting for routine dental visits, you not only invest in the ongoing health of your teeth but also potentially save money by avoiding more significant issues in the long run.

Making a New Year's resolution to enhance your health is a great decision with far-reaching benefits. Be kind to yourself in case of setbacks and allow time for your new routines to solidify into habits. Armed with the knowledge to address key obstacles to ideal dental health, you are well-equipped to embrace the coming year with a renewed commitment to your oral well-being.

As always, for personalized advice, consult with one of our Dental Image Therapy dentists at either of our St. Vital or Garden City locations in Winnipeg. It’s easy to book online and we love talking about how to get our patients to their confident smile.