2020 is just around the corner, so you might be one of millions of Canadians building a list of New Year’s resolutions. Exercise and travel are some of the most popular ones, but we shouldn’t forget about our dental health. Everyone can benefit from healthier teeth. Here are six easy New Year’s resolutions for a cleaner and happier mouth in 2020.
1. Floss Daily
The bathroom is often the first place we go when we wake up in the morning and the last place we visit before we head to bed. Because of this, it’s very easy to remember to brush our teeth. It’s practically ingrained in our daily routines! On the other hand, there’s just something about flossing that makes it feel like a chore. Flossing is the only way to remove plaque and bacteria that would otherwise fester in crevices where your toothbrush can’t reach. Eventually, that plaque can harden into tartar, which can only be removed through professional cleaning. The Canadian Dental Association recommends flossing once a day, but your mouth can benefit from any flossing you can manage to squeeze into your week. If you’re having trouble remembering to floss, try keeping floss by your favorite television-watching spot and floss as you watch T.V.
2. Drink More Water
Staying hydrated provides energy and curbs appetite, so it might already be on your radar if you’ve made any fitness-related resolutions. Did you know that drinking water can support your oral health, as well? Drinking more water washes away the residue left behind in the mouth from food and sugary beverages. It also dilutes the bacteria that causes cavities and bad breath. People who suffer from dry mouth symptoms should take extra measures to make sure they’re drinking enough water, as the condition can contribute to dental problems. As an added plus, water doesn’t have the tooth-staining property of tea or coffee, so it’s completely guilt-free.
3. Choose Food Wisely
Most people know that limiting sweets plays a big role in cavity prevention. It’s just as important to follow a healthy diet. Eating a wide variety of foods allows us to absorb essential nutrients from multiple sources, which helps support strong teeth and gums. Foods rich in phosphorus, calcium, and vitamin C are especially important for oral health.
4. Commit to Two Cleanings a Year
Ideally, you should visit your dentist every six months for a dental cleaning. Daily brushing and flossing aren’t enough to clean every part of the mouth. Professional cleanings address the spots you may have missed during your at-home routine. They can also remove tartar build-up and stains on the teeth. Most importantly, committing to two cleanings a year gives you two chances to have your teeth examined and any small issues identified that might pose big problems in the future. At the Upper Hunt Club Dental Centre, in Ottawa, you’re one call away from a good dental cleaning.
5. Replace Your Toothbrush
Toothbrushes wear out over time, which diminishes their cleaning ability. Also, the bristles can trap bacteria, which are introduced to your mouth when it’s time to brush. It is recommended that you replace your toothbrush every three to six months. To complete this resolution, all you have to do is throw a toothbrush into your shopping cart the next time you visit the store. That’s a very small price to pay for a lifetime of healthy teeth, isn’t it?
6. Quit Smoking
As far as our mouths are concerned, smoking causes bad breath, stained teeth, tartar, salivary problems, and cancer. That’s on top of the damage that smoking can impose on the rest of the body. If you’re a regular smoker, consider this your sign. Make 2020 the year that you take control of your health for good.
New Year’s resolutions are hard to keep, but they don’t have to be. Keep your resolutions simple and achievable, and you’ll be well on your way to achieving your 2020 goals. Incorporating these six, easy resolutions can result in better oral health, which benefits our overall health in the long run. Visit us at the Upper Hunt Club Dental Centre in Ottawa and let our friendly experts handle the rest. Contact us today to book an appointment and be one step closer to starting your New Year’s Resolutions.
