Top New Year’s Resolutions for a Healthier Smile

Now that it’s January, you might have some self-improvement goals in mind. After all, the start of 2023 is ideal for making New Year’s resolutions! Whatever projects you’re planning, though, you may want to add “good oral health” to the mix. If you do so, you’ll enjoy a stronger smile for most of the year. To that end, your local dentist is here to make that aim easier. Read on, then, to learn four resolutions for healthier teeth in 2023.

#1: Stay Hydrated with Water

You might not know it, but a dry mouth isn’t good for teeth or gums. The condition deprives you of saliva, which washes away harmful bacteria. As a result, it greatly increases your risk of tooth decay and cavities.

Luckily, you can avoid dry mouth by drinking more water. If you resolve to do so, you’ll keep your oral cavity moist all day long!

#2: Eat & Drink Fewer Sweets

Whether it comes from foods or drinks, sugar harms your smile. When it connects with your pearly whites, the carb attracts bacteria that erode your teeth. The results can range from cavities and gum disease to even tooth infections.

You can, of course, prevent these outcomes by having fewer sweets. For instance, resolve to eat less candy or drink fewer sodas.

#3: Improve Your Oral Hygiene

Another good dental resolution is to improve your oral hygiene. You’d see all sorts of perks in cleaning your mouth more effectively — less sensitive gums, whiter teeth, fresher breath, etc.

Good practices to follow for oral care include:

• Proper Brushing – Gently brush your teeth twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Furthermore, make sure the brushing includes toothpaste with fluoride.
• Regular Flossing – Make once-daily flossing part of your normal oral routine. In particular, you could use traditional floss, an interdental brush, a flosser, etc.
• Frequent Mouth Rinses – As needed, rinse with a fluoridated mouthwash after brushing.

#4: See Your Dentist Often

Even if you always brush or floss, healthy teeth require a dentist’s help. Home oral care can only do so much on its own. Without professional treatment, areas your toothbrush and flossers can’t reach will house large amounts of plaque.

Given these facts, you should resolve to get (at least) two dental checkups this year. By attending these visits, your dentist can diagnose and treat issues before they get serious. You’d then protect your smile from potential emergencies.

As you can see, there are various ways to achieve better oral health this year. Therefore, use the resolutions above to make that goal a reality!

About the Practice

Pace Dental is based in Vienna, VA. Led by Dr. Ahmed Saad, our practice offers patients friendly, personalized dentistry. To that end, we perform high-quality preventive, cosmetic, and restorative treatments, as well as dental emergency care. Our office also takes pride in being a certified provider of Invisalign clear aligners. For more information or to book a visit, reach us on our website or by phone at (703)-938-6800.