5 New Year's Resolutions For a Better Smile in 2021

The start of a new year is a great time to set your intentions for the upcoming year. Many people find this time of year ideal for making healthier choices. While cooking more at home, eating healthier meals, and exercising are ordinary resolutions, improving your oral health should also be on that list.

The health of your teeth and gums have a significant influence on your overall health, making for an excellent opportunity to make significant changes to your health with minimal effort. In addition to brushing your teeth twice a day, consider these other 5 New Year'sYear's resolutions for a better smile in 2021.

Schedule a Dental Appointment

With a new year just beginning, it's the perfect time to plan out your bi-annual trips to the dentist for teeth cleanings and exams. The easiest way to start the year off with excellent oral health is to commit to regular dental appointments. Scheduling these appointments in advance will ensure that time doesn't get away from you. If you are at a higher risk of developing gum disease, it may be recommended to schedule cleanings and exams more often.

Give Up Bad Habits

Small changes can add up to significant impacts over an entire year. Quitting bad habits can lead to healthier teeth and gums, in addition to better overall health.

Smoking. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), smoking doubles your risk of developing gum disease. Smoking is also linked to a host of other health-related issues. The start of a new year is a great time to give up the habit and rid your home of all tobacco products to help you quit.

Tobacco. Smoking isn't the only bad habit to quit when it comes to tobacco use. Chewing tobacco significantly increases your risk of developing gum disease, mouth cancer, and throat cancer. To help fight cravings, find a healthy activity to engage in when cravings hit, and ask your general practitioner if kicking the addiction becomes too difficult.

Commit To Overdue Dental Treatments

The new year is a great time to have any long-overdue dental treatments completed. If you have any existing issues with your teeth, like a chipped tooth or a molar that requires a filling, the new year is a great time to have these addressed. Checking off any overdue procedures early on in the year will help you feel a sense of relief in knowing your smile is in great shape for the year.

Be Mindful of What You Eat

A great New Year's resolution is to add more healthy foods into your diet. Not only is incorporating healthy foods great for your body, but your teeth can also benefit.

Eat plenty of fruits
Incorporate more vegetables
Cut back on sugar
Eat less processed foods
Drink more water
Avoid soft drinks and juices

Change Your Toothbrush Every 3 Months

We always recommend our patients swap out their toothbrush every three months. It's recommended because over time and with use, the bristles on your toothbrush soften and lose efficacy. To keep your toothbrush working as it should:

Replace it regularly.
Buy a years worth of toothbrushes in January and set calendar reminders for April, July, October, and January of each year to grab a new toothbrush out of the drawer.
If you're sick, change your toothbrush more often to help prevent recontamination.

If you're ready to maintain a healthier smile in 2021, Elite Dental & Denture PC is here to help! Contact our office today to schedule your first dental cleaning and exam of the year, so you're one step closer to a beautiful smile in the new year.