It’s safe to say that everybody is happy to wave 2020 goodbye. If you want to turn over a new leaf and set great new year’s resolutions that improve your health and wellness, there’s no better time to start than in 2021. With a blank slate, you can reprioritize your mental and physical wellness, and one easy way to do that is to make sure that you’re looking after your smile. Read on for four ways you can optimize your oral health in 2021.
Habits like tobacco use, nail-biting, and grinding and clenching your teeth are all terrible for your oral health. One great resolution to work on in the new year is weaning yourself from these habits. The best place to start is by getting helpful resources from your dentist or primary care physician. In some cases, like if you grind and clench while you sleep, you may be able to get a protective mouthguard to avoid breaking or wearing down your teeth. In others, like if you smoke, it’s best to make gradual, small changes for long-term success.
Virtually all dental insurance companies cover 100 percent of the cost of two checkups and cleanings a year. This is because they want you to keep up with your preventive dental care and avoid developing serious oral health issues that require costly and extensive treatments. By making sure that both of your appointments are scheduled, not only will you be getting the most out of your dental insurance benefits, but you’ll also be able to rest-assured that your smile is being well taken care of.
You may be surprised to learn that only about 30 percent of the population flosses their teeth daily. That means that most people either floss sometimes, or not at all. If you find yourself in either of these categories, one easily manageable new year’s resolution you can make is to floss your teeth every day. This is recommended by the ADA to ensure that your gums and teeth stay healthy by preventing the accumulation of harmful oral substances like plaque and tartar.
What you eat can have a drastic impact on your oral health. This is because harmful oral bacteria love to feed off of sugars and carbohydrates. When they do, they release toxins and acids that are known to result in gum disease and cavity formation. By maintaining a well-balanced and moderately healthy diet, and just being mindful of snacking on sweets, you can reduce the number of cavities you get in 2021!
Looking after your oral health can seem like a huge commitment, but it’s well worthwhile. By setting a resolution to floss daily, maintain a healthy diet, schedule your appointments with your dentist, and break bad oral habits this year, you can save your smile and your wallet!
About the Author
Dr. Bryant Franz is incredibly passionate about forming valuable connections with his patients so he can better treat and serve them. He offers a wide array of comprehensive dental services, including several preventive care treatments like gum disease therapy and dental sealants. He’s also happy to treat patients of all ages and keep households cavity-free in 2021! For questions or to schedule you and your family’s next checkups and cleanings, visit RiNo Dental’s website or call 720-943-7484.
