It’s that time of year again, when Madisonians size up the coming year and decide how they’re going to take it on. If living a healthier, happier life tops your to-do list this New Year, we have some resolutions for a healthy smile that will make your teeth stronger and brighter than ever, giving you lots to smile about in 2023.
- Stop smoking.
- Listen to your hygienist.
- Adopt a tooth-friendly diet.
- Smile more!
Resolution #1: Stop smoking.
If you smoke, one of the most dramatic ways you can improve the health of your teeth and gums is to quit.
To say smoking is tough on teeth is an understatement! Along with staining and eroding enamel, tobacco products also make smokers more likely to develop bacterial plaque, which can lead to gum disease. Furthermore, smoking decreases oxygen in the bloodstream, which makes gums less likely to heal from infection. For these reasons, smokers are ten times more likely to develop oral cancer. And if they also happen to drink heavily, their risk is over thirty-five times that of non-smokers and non-drinkers!
Give yourself the brightest smile yet by quitting tobacco in 2023.
Resolution #2: Listen to your hygienist.
The biggest smile you could give your hygienist at your next check-up is by following his or her advice today and every day! Your hygienist really wants you to practice optimal daily oral hygiene.
The first component to great oral hygiene is to brush your teeth for two minutes twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste. Be sure to brush every surface of the tooth. And don’t cut out early–the longer you brush, the more plaque you remove.
Your hygienist also wants you to floss daily because she knows that a significant amount of decay-causing plaque and food debris get trapped between the teeth. Reduce your risk of cavities and bad breath by making sure to reach for the floss every day.
Resolution #3: Adopt a tooth-friendly diet.
If you’re trying to lose weight, adapting your diet to improve oral health can also help shrink your waistline, too. Sugar is a known culprit of tooth decay. Cutting out added sugar from your diet will help keep your enamel strong, as well as cut down on empty calories, which will help keep your weight in check.
Additionally, eliminating enamel-eroding foods and beverages will also help keep your smile bright. Cutting out highly acidic beverages like orange and lemon juice, coffee, and sodas will do a lot to boost your oral health. Swap in plain water for additional dental benefits. If your teeth are stained, cutting down on highly pigmented foods and drinks, like tea, red wine, and berries, can help. Different whitening options are also available.
Resolution #4: Smile more!
Finally, our best tip for enjoying a brighter smile this New Year is to use it more! Showing off your smile is sure to brighten the days of those around you. It’s also good for your health, too. Studies show that smiling decreases blood pressure and stress and can help boost your immune system.
Fill your day with little moments to bring out a smile, like writing down a short list of things you’re grateful for, performing a small act of kindness, or paying a compliment.
Affiliated Dentists in Madison, Wisconsin
Do you need help achieving a bright smile this New Year? Please contact us today. Affiliated Dentists offers general, pediatric, and cosmetic dentistry, including teeth whitening in Madison, Wisconsin.
Resolutions for a Healthy Smile brought to you by Dr. Mark Gustavson
