Resolve to Improve Your Oral Health in 2015
3 easy New Years resolutions that can have you reaping dividends all year long.
As 2015 picks up steam, you probably have all kinds of plans and goals for the future. You may find yourself wondering if you should make a New Years resolution this year. Research has shown that about 45 percent of Americans do make specific New Years resolutions, and these individuals are 10 times more likely to achieve their goal than people who just have a vague notion of what they want to accomplish in the new year.
So, if you would like to improve your oral health in 2015, making a specific New Years resolution is an excellent way to do it. Remember, a growing body of research has linked all kinds of aspects of your overall health to your oral health, so an investment in the health of your teeth and gums can have big benefits for your entire body.
Here are some examples of New Years resolutions that will help you enjoy a cleaner, healthier smile:
Floss Daily: While most people do a reasonably good job meeting the goal of brushing their teeth at least twice per day, many Americans do not floss enough. Resolve to floss every single day in 2015 to help control gum disease and prevent tooth decay from gaining hold in the tight spaces between teeth that a toothbrush just can’t reach. If you have very tight teeth, consider using a floss pick rather than regular floss.
Cut Back on Soda: Soda is very bad for your teeth in several ways. First of all, regular sodas are quite sugary, and these sugars feed the plaque bacteria living on your teeth, causing them to produce acids that can eventually cause cavities. Secondly, soda is acidic, so drinking soda temporarily alters the pH of your mouth, creating conditions where enamel erosion may occur. This can lead to sensitive teeth and make teeth more prone to cavities. Finally, dark sodas like cola and root beer can contribute to staining on your teeth. If you want to avoid these problems, resolve to give up soda altogether in 2015, or at the very least drink your soda in one sitting rather than in slow sips all day long and rinse your mouth with water afterwards to limit its impact.
Visit the Dentist: One final resolution you can make is to visit the dentist more often in 2015. This resolution should be easy to keep because you only have to take action twice per year rather than on a daily basis. To schedule your first dental cleaning and exam of the New Year, please contact California Dental Group today.