Dental Health Resolutions for 2023

It’s that time of year again, when people make their New Year’s resolutions. What’s your goal for the year? Most people choose something that has to do with their health, but too few make dental health resolutions. This year, why not shake things up and improve your dental health? Here are some suggestions for you, of dental health resolutions for 2023.

• Keep up with the basics. Brush your teeth twice a day, and pay attention to your technique. Using a soft-bristled toothbrush, held at a 45-degree angle to the gumline, brush your teeth gently, for at least two minutes, using circular motions to clean off plaque and bacteria without damaging your gums. Floss at least once each day, using a water flosser or traditional string floss. Keeping up with these simple habits will not only reduce your risk of tooth decay, but can also lower your risk of serious illnesses like cardiac disease or even Alzheimer’s.
• Swap sweet drinks for water. Reducing your sugar intake is important for your oral health, and sugary drinks are at the top of the list of things to avoid. Because sweet drinks prolong your teeth’s exposure to sugar, they do significantly more damage than other kinds of sugary treats. Drinking water, on the other hand, is good for your oral health as well as your overall health. When you’re well-hydrated, you produce the right amount of saliva, and drinking water during the day helps keep your teeth clean between brushings. What’s more, tap water has added fluoride, which can strengthen your tooth enamel.
• Improve your diet. Eating a more nutritious diet may already be on your New Year’s resolution list, especially if you’re trying to lose weight. What you may not realize, though, is that eating well is a big part of maintaining good dental health. The nutrients you consume when you eat fruit, vegetables, legumes, and nuts can protect against inflammation and bacteria, and this helps keep your teeth and gums healthy. Raw fruits and vegetables help remove plaque from your teeth, and dairy products contribute calcium that strengthens your teeth.
• Say no to smoking. Actually, say no to all tobacco products! Using tobacco causes bad breath, tooth discoloration, cavities, gum disease, and many other health conditions, including throat, lung, and oral cancer. Smokers are also more likely to lose their teeth than other people. Make this the year you quit, seeking professional help if you need to, and your health will begin to improve.
• Reduce dry mouth. Saliva plays an important role in maintaining your oral health. Not only does it wash away food and debris, but it actually helps strengthen your enamel and neutralize your mouth’s pH level. If you have dry mouth, it can lead to dental problems, so combat it by drinking plenty of water, chewing sugar free gum, drinking milk or consuming dairy products, and limiting alcohol consumption. You can also talk to your dentist about medications you’re taking and if they could be causing this problem.
• Make a habit of seeing your dentist. Having a dental check-up and cleaning twice a year helps keep your teeth clean and healthy. What’s more, seeing you every six months allows your dentist to spot minor issues more easily, before they turn into serious problems. This will save you not just pain and inconvenience, but also money, since major dental issues can be far more expensive than simple maintenance. Your dentist can also recommend treatments to address any dental problems you may be experiencing, like an improper bite or damaged tooth.

At Park 56 Dental Group, we offer pediatric, prosthodontics, endodontics, oral surgery, Invisalign®, emergency, and sedation dentistry, all at the highest level of treatment. We serve the Midtown, Central Park, Upper East Side, Park Avenue, and all surrounding Manhattan and New York areas, with a patient-centered practice that has hours to fit your schedule. Schedule your complimentary consultation today by contacting us online or calling us at (212) 826-2322.