At the start of the new year, it’s tradition for many people to make goals to help them improve their overall wellbeing. If you need some ideas for attainable new year’s resolutions in 2020, consider taking small steps to improve your oral health. Many people aren’t aware that the health of their gums and teeth are directly connected to the wellbeing of other areas of their body, like the respiratory and cardiovascular system. That’s why your dentist in San Diego has come up with four commitments to your dental hygiene that you can implement in 2020 to improve your health.
Avoid Sticky, Chewy, and Hard Foods
The most notorious culprits for dental emergencies are foods that are hard, sticky, and chewy. When you bite into them, they can easily damage, crack, or fracture one of your teeth, leaving you with dental sensitivity and an emergency visit to your dentist. Instead of putting your smile at risk during the new year, try steering clear of foods that seem risky for your teeth, such as sticky, hard caramels. If you simply can’t resist, be mindful of how and where you’re chewing it in your mouth. By doing this, you can keep 2020 stress and hassle-free.
Curb Your Sweet Tooth
If you regularly snack on delicious sweets because you can’t help but crave them, a good new year’s dental health resolution to make is to substitute healthier alternatives. Sugar and carbohydrates play a massive role in the formation of cavities and gum disease. When these substances collect in the grooves of your molars and surface of your teeth, they feed harmful oral bacteria and allow them to produce waste in the forms of enamel-eroding acid and toxins.
Instead of indulging your sweet tooth, try limiting bacteria buildup by substituting healthier alternatives like fresh fruits and vegetables. Some foods that are more fibrous, such as celery, can even help naturally brush away plaque from your teeth when you chew them!
Work Towards Quitting Bad Oral Habits
Habits like smoking, nail-biting, and teeth grinding can all increase your risk of developing serious dental problems. Instead of letting them wreak havoc on your mouth by causing dry mouth and enamel deterioration, take the time to learn about how you can quit them. The American Heart Association offers dozens of helpful resources to quit smoking. It’s also a good idea to consult with either your dentist or a medical professional about how your habits are impacting your health, and how you can prevent issues from occurring down the road.
Visit Your Dentist Every Six Months
A simple and easy commitment to make in 2020 to your oral health is to visit your dentist every six months for checkups and cleanings. They can diagnose and treat any lingering oral health problems and ensure that your mouth stays in tip-top shape. Not to mention, with thorough checkups, they’re also able to reduce your risk of developing other medical problems, such as heart disease and respiratory infections.
If you’re at a loss for what your new year’s resolutions should be in 2020, here are four ideas that will help you improve, not just your oral, but also your overall health. By making attainable goals and commitments, you’ll be able to feel good about what the new year has in store for you.
About the Author
Dr. Greg Friedman uses state-of-the-art dental technology and the latest techniques to provide his patients with high-quality and thorough preventive care. He wants each of his patients to feel comfortable and well-cared for, which is why he offers amenities such as warm neck pillows, Bost noise-cancellation headphones, and even massaging chairs. For questions or to schedule your routine checkup and cleaning to start the new year off right, visit Mod Squad Dental’s website or call 858-682-2394.
