What are you hoping to accomplish in 2018? Maybe you want to lose a few pounds, take an amazing vacation, or finally ask your boss about that promotion you deserve. While ambitious goals like that are admirable, we encourage you to strive for a few smaller objectives—for example, you could try to smile more. Of course, smiling more is easier and more fun if you have a healthy mouth. That’s why your dentist in Burleson is here to offer a few suggestions on steps you can take to make 2018 your healthiest, most smile-filled year yet.
Becomes Friends with Floss
Too many people just brush their teeth and leave it at that. They don’t expend the time or effort that is necessary to use floss to finish cleaning their mouth. Flossing helps to remove food particles and plaque from between your pearly whites, saving you from bad breath and cavities. To become a more regular flosser, set your floss somewhere in the bathroom where’s visible—hopefully, seeing it will give you the reminder you need to give your teeth a bit of extra TLC.
Become Reacquainted with Your Dentist
Does your dentist miss you? As often as we hear the admonition to visit a dental care provider twice a year for a cleaning and checkup, not everyone heeds that wise advice. Instead of convincing yourself that your oral health is just fine without any professional assistance, make it your aim this year to have at least two routine appointments with your dentist.
Have a pro look at your teeth can alert you to problems before they become severe. Plus, everyone loves that fresh feeling that comes only after a trained hygienist removes plaque and tarter from their mouth.
Say So Long to Sugar
Everyone is entitled to a treat once in a while, but if candy, cookies, and soda are part of your normal routine, it’s time to switch things up a bit. Sugar is anathema to oral health because it promotes plaque and acid production in your mouth — and it’s bad for the rest of your body as well.
When you’re craving a sweet treat, opt for a sugar-free noncarbonated drink or a piece of non-citrus fruit, like an apple.
Conquer Other Unhealthy Habits
Smoking is one of the worst things for your oral health. It contributes to bad breath, cavities, and even cancer. We encourage you to research different methods for quitting so you can feel better and smile brighter.
Try to identify and stop any other habits that might be harming your teeth. For example, some people munch on ice or use their teeth as a tool to open packages — both of which are activities that can damage those pearly whites.
There are lots of things you can do to make 2018 a great year, including taking better care of your oral health!
About the Dentist
Dr. Jay Oza is your dentist in Burleson. He is passionate about dentistry and loves to help his patients achieve healthy, attractive smiles. If you would like to learn more about Dr. Oza and our practice, please contact us at 817-933-3883.