6 Ways To Start 2022 With A Healthy Smile

The new year has just begun. Just as expected it will come with plenty of resolutions. If having a beautiful and healthy smile is part of your new year’s resolution, then you’ve come to the right place. 

It is never too early to create a winning smile for yourself by adopting a healthy dental lifestyle and avoiding the unhealthy ones. There’s no better time to start taking your dental health more seriously than now. Here are the 8 ways to give a huge boost to your oral health in 2022.

Start With A Dental Checkup

The first step to your dental health journey in 2022 is by beginning with a dental appointment, especially if you haven’t visited the dentist in a while. It is easy to assume you know what to do already and improve your oral health with common home care routines. 

But that’s not always the case. There may be existing dental issues that may require treatment and yet you may not be aware of them unless diagnosed by a dental professional. Our dental professionals will help you spot any possible issues before they become a problem. We will be glad to receive you and your family.

Eat Healthily

Staying ahead of your oral hygiene starts with being in control of what you eat by avoiding the ones that are bad for your teeth. Certain types of food are bad for your teeth. For instance, consuming too many sugars and sodas are easy ways to slowly damage your teeth without even realizing it.

Understandably lots of people enjoy drinking coffee. However, the tannins in coffee have the potential to stain your pearly whites. Dairy products containing calcium and phosphates are superfoods for your teeth because they will strengthen your enamel and guard against dental erosion. 

Leafy greens are also a good choice because they limit bacteria growth in your mouth. Fruits and vegetables like apples, carrots, and broccoli have antioxidant properties and are capable of neutralizing harmful acids in your mouth. 

When considering food choices, remember to eat for a healthy mouth to maintain good oral health.

Quit Smoking

Smoking is not just bad for general health. It is also detrimental to your dental health. Smoking increases your risk of getting tooth decay and many other dental problems. Studies have shown that the risk of gum disease is higher for an individual that smokes than for a non-smoker. 

The mouth houses several bacteria that have the potential to cause infections. Normally, the immune system of a non-smoker is strong enough to keep them within limits that will prevent infection.

However, for an individual that smokes, the immune system becomes quickly weakened and thus results in more bacterial action. Acid production coupled with dry mouth easily leads to cavities and eventually tooth loss.

Smoking is not easy to avoid for many individuals and making a decision to quit smoking may be a hard resolution to keep. However, smoking cessation is beneficial for your dental health.

Keep Your Mouth Hydrated

Staying hydrated is not only crucial for your body health but also your dental health. A well-hydrated mouth keeps a sufficient amount of saliva in your mouth. This keeps away food particles from adhering to the surface of your teeth. Additionally, a dry mouth creates a comfortable breeding ground for mouth bacteria which can result in plaques and eventually cavities which could lead to tooth loss.

Drinking water regularly is a very simple way to keep your mouth hydrated. Other ways to prevent your mouth from getting dehydrated include limiting alcohol and caffeine intake. Consuming more water-dense foods such as salads and fruits. Smoking cessation can also help to keep your mouth hydrated.

Brush and Floss Daily

Contrary to popular belief, bruising and flossing aren’t just about fresh breath. Everyday eating and drinking have the potential to build up plaque on the surface of the teeth. If left uncleaned, it hardens into tartar which potentially leads to tooth decay. 

Brushing ensures that food particles and plaques are swept away before they harden into tartar. You can invest in your dental health by opting for an electric toothbrush. Electric toothbrushes work by rotation oscillation technology which makes them more effective at removing plaque than manual toothbrushes. 

Flossing, on the other hand, completes the job, and you shouldn’t skip it. Brush at least twice daily and get in the habit of flossing between your teeth daily in 2022.

Treat Dental Conditions In A Timely Manner

Treating dental conditions early can actually save you thousands of dollars. If you suspect a sensitivity to heat or cold or possible tooth decay, you may have to schedule a dental visit as early as possible.

Maintaining a healthy smile in 2022 requires a conscious commitment. We provide top-notch dental care at Fine Arts Dentistry. Feel free to schedule an appointment on a wide range of our dental services in Matthews, NC.