New Year’s Resolution-Keeping your Mouth Healthy all Year Long

new years resolution keep mouth healthyMiami and Coral Gables, FL

Another year is over. What resolutions are you making heading into the New Year? Maybe you want to lose weight and get in better shape. Perhaps you want to spend more time with family and friends, or eliminate bad habits like smoking or biting your nails. Your local Miami dentist at Miami Designer Smiles suggests you add one more resolution to the list—maintaining good oral health.

Here are some tips to help you keep your mouth healthy all year long.

  • Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables is an essential strategy for good oral health. Eating fresh, crisp fruits and vegetables is a workout for your teeth that serves as a natural way to clean your teeth and help remove plaque. Plus, the antioxidants in many fruits and vegetables boost your immune system, bolstering your body’s ability to defend against infections. Generally speaking, a balanced diet lends itself to greater overall health, improving your immune system and your protection against oral health problems like gum disease.
  • Stop using tobacco. Whether you smoke or use chewing tobacco, this is a habit you need to break. We all know about the health risks associated with tobacco, such as an increased risk of cancer. Tobacco use, in any form (even vaping), also jeopardizes your oral health, with the list of potential consequences including lung cancer, mouth cancer, tooth loss, gum disease, sores, and tooth decay. The start of a new year is a great time to quit for good.
  • Limit use of alcohol. Did you know that drinking alcohol excessively could affect your oral health? Recent research conducted by the Academy of General Dentistry found that people who consume excessive quantities of alcohol on a regular basis have a higher risk of gum recession, which can create periodontal pockets between the teeth and gums where bacteria can accumulate. Using alcohol also can increase the frequency of other negative behaviors such as smoking, and the Academy of General Dentistry also found that smokers who drink excessively are much more likely to have bad oral hygiene practices.
  • Brush and floss regularly. Each of us is ultimately responsible for our own oral health. That responsibility starts at home, by maintaining a thorough regimen of oral hygiene. The American Dental Association recommends that you brush your teeth twice a day and floss once per day. Regular brushing and flossing prevent the accumulation of bacteria and plaque, which are the first stages that lead to tooth decay and eventual cavities. If you have children, encourage good habits by showing them the correct techniques for brushing and flossing.
  • Get checked. You and your dentist should not be strangers. Each person is recommended to make a dental appointment once every six months, which should include a professional cleaning that removes all the plaque and bacteria from your teeth, as well as a comprehensive examination of your teeth and mouth. These appointments may involve undergoing X-rays, which are used as another diagnostic tool to identify any changes or potential problems with your teeth and mouth.

Many of us fail to keep a New Year’s resolution, but keeping this one is not only easy but will help you maintain a high level of oral health. Finding the right dentist to provide care is important. Your Miami dentist at Miami Designer Smiles is here to help. To learn more about our services, call our office today at (305) 595-4616.

Miami Designer Smiles is proud to care for patients in the areas of Miami and Coral Gables in south Florida.