Oral Health Resolutions for the New Year

Houston Pediatric Dentistry Blog

Oral Health Resolutions for the New Year

With the new year already here, now is the time for you to determine what you are going to do with your new year’s resolutions. Most people decide to do things like making sure that they stay in touch more often with their family and friends, while others decide to do a weight loss plan. However, there is a resolution that you can easily follow through the whole year long.

You should make a resolution on improving your oral health for yourself and your child. Having improper oral health can severely affect your overall health. Committing to brushing twice a day, flossing, and seeing your dentist regularly should be one of your top resolutions for this upcoming year. You should be seeing your dentist/pediatric dentist at least twice a year so that they can take a look at your teeth. They will be able to make other recommendations for what you should do to continue to improve your overall health.

It is important to do daily flossing and brushing to remove all the bacteria out of your mouth. If you do not brush and floss daily, the bacteria can severely build up in your mouth. This can lead to gum disease, tooth decay, and oral infections. You can develop a condition known as periodontal disease. Periodontal disease can cause severe gum infections and tooth loss. Left untreated, poor oral health can severely affect your heart and other areas of your body.

It is thought that some health conditions like eating disorders, rheumatoid arthritis, and certain head and neck cancers may be linked to poor oral health. Severe infections that affect the brain, blood, and heart have also been seen from improper oral health.

Thankfully, there are several ways that you can reduce your risk for any ailment and have good oral health. You should be limiting carbohydrates and sugar from your diet as they can cause issues with your oral health. You should also quit any tobacco or cigarette usage as they have been shown to cause issues for your teeth and gums.

When you brush your teeth, you will want to make sure that you are doing it properly. Many people brush their teeth too quickly and do not floss. You should brush your teeth for around two minutes each time you brush. Doing this twice a day or more can greatly help rid your mouth of bacteria-ridden plaque. If you have trouble flossing, you can save time and ensure your mouth is clean by investing in a water flosser. They can easily remove any plaque and food debris from your teeth and gums quickly. When brushing your teeth, do not forget to use your mouthwash as it will help to kill any leftover bacteria.

If you do not have a regular dentist, it is important to get one as soon as possible. They will be able to address any oral health concerns you have. If you have issues, they can help to take care of them quickly. You should be seeing your dentist at least twice a year to improve your oral health. Start 2021 off with a good start by making your oral health a top priority.

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