Have you ever made a New Year’s resolution, but gave up on it a few months later? If so, you’re far from alone! Recent surveys suggest that up to 80% of New Year’s resolutions don’t make it past February. So what can you do if you want to start getting healthier this January? Start with your smile! Here are four reasonable habits and achievable goals from your Fargo dentist that will improve your smile this year!
1.) Get Two Dental Checkups This Year
Did you know that the American Dental Association recommends getting dental checkups and cleanings twice a year? Biannual visits allow your dentist to spot and stop issues as early as possible, including tooth decay, gum disease, oral cancer, and many more. Start your year off right by scheduling your next dental checkup. Then, before you leave that appointment, schedule your next visit in six months so you don’t forget.
2.) Learn to Love Flossing
Flossing may not be your favorite part of your daily dental routine, but it’s just as important as brushing. Flossing cleans out all the areas that your toothbrush bristles can’t reach, ensuring that plaque and bacteria don’t accumulate between your teeth. If you find it difficult to remember to floss every day, try keeping your floss somewhere you’ll see it every time you brush your teeth, such as in front of or on top of your toothpaste. You can also make flossing more exciting for yourself by investing in high-quality waxed floss, floss that comes in fun flavors, or interdental brushes.
3.) Make Smart Snacking Choices
Cutting back on sugary treats and eating healthier foods are common resolutions that are great for your waistline and your overall health. These are also great habits for your smile! Foods that are high in calcium, phosphorus, fiber, and vitamin C are all excellent choices that promote stronger teeth and healthier gum tissue. If you do choose to indulge in a treat every now and again, choose soft candies, sugar-free varieties, or dark chocolate, which are better for your oral health than other sweets.
4.) Break Bad Chewing Habits
The New Year is a great time to start new healthy habits and break bad ones. If you chew on hard objects when you’re nervous, bored, or at any other time, you’re wearing down the protective shell of enamel on your teeth. Over time, this can lead to sensitive, discolored, and decayed teeth that are much more prone to chips and cracks. Instead of chewing on pen caps, ice, or your fingernails, try chewing a piece of sugarless gum or biting into an apple.
Achieving the happy, healthy smile you deserve this year is an excellent and achievable New Year’s resolution! Use these simple but effective habits to improve your oral health in 2021 and for the rest of your life.
About the Practice
Cornerstone Dental is committed to providing compassionate, experienced, and excellent dental care to smiles of all ages in Fargo and the surrounding communities. Their team of talented professionals is dedicated to forming lasting relationships and performing precise, comfortable dentistry with state-of-the-art technology and techniques. They have a variety of treatments to help you overcome nearly any oral health issue, but would much rather prevent them in the first place with regular dental checkups! To learn more, they can be contacted via their website or at (701) 237-3583.