Most people make new year’s health resolutions in an attempt to have more energy, be happier, and care for their mental and physical wellbeing. Breaking old habits and implementing new ones can be difficult, but with motivation and a great support system, you can focus on caring for your body and mind in 2020. A great first goal to set that many people don’t consider is keeping up with your dental health, because your mouth is more connected to the rest of your body than you may think. Read on for four new year’s commitments that are attainable and healthy.
Don’t Miss Out On Your Checkups and Cleanings
Preventive dentistry allows you to take care of the small oral health problems, like cavities, before they turn into issues that are more severe, such as tooth infections. When you visit your dentist every six months for professional checkups and cleanings, they’ll conduct thorough examinations of your mouth and oral cancer screenings in an attempt to diagnose and treat serious conditions before they have a chance to get out of hand and cause permanent damage. If it has been longer than six months since you last scheduled an appointment with your dentist, book one today to start 2020 off with a clean bill of health.
Floss at Least Once Each Day
You may be surprised to know that countless adults skip flossing once a day even though it’s recommended by the American Dental Association to keep your teeth and gums healthy. If you weren’t a diligent flosser in 2019, set a goal to do it every day in 2020. This will reduce your risk of developing cavities between your teeth and keep your breath fresh. If you have difficulty maneuvering the floss, try purchasing flossing picks or a water flosser instead. These can help make the task easier, faster, and more effective.
Reduce Your Sugar Intake
Cutting back on sugary foods and drinks isn’t just a resolution to get a healthier body, it can also prevent harmful oral bacteria accumulation and reduce your risk of oral health problems. A study in 2014 confirmed the direct connection between how much sugar a person eats and tooth decay, which is all the more reason to substitute healthier snacks in place of your usual favorite sweets.
Break Bad Oral Habits
This new year’s health resolution may take some time and be more difficult of a goal, but it’s well worth it. Bad oral habits such as smoking can affect your entire body, causing respiratory issues, oral cancer, and even gum disease. Instead of letting these addictions ruin your oral and overall wellbeing, this year, try seeking assistance from a medical professional or research private programs and online resources provided by the American Heart Association to help you quit. With a strong support group, you’ll be able to make strides towards a healthier you!
Making attainable new year’s health resolutions is important and can help you stick with them. It can be discouraging setting massive goals that are impossible to complete, only to let yourself down by the time 2021 rolls around. With these four commitments, you’ll be able to improve your oral and overall health, feel better about yourself, and turn over a new leaf.
About the Author
Dr. Doug Clark, Jr. has been improving his patients smiles for over 30 years. He focuses on providing high-quality preventive dental care that keeps small oral health problems from having an opportunity to progress into ones that are more severe. He also frequently participates in continuing educations programs to stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in his field. For questions or to schedule a routine checkup and cleaning, visit Hill Avenue Dental’s website or call 715-392-5161.