20 Jan

5 New Year’s Resolutions that Will Lead to Healthy Teeth

shutterstock_541796221It’s a brand new year, and many of us have made resolutions. If you’re keen to boost your health this year, don’t forget about your teeth and gums. An attractive, healthy smile could be your best weapon if you’re hoping to find ‘the one’ or land that dream job this year. Here are 5 resolutions that will help you achieve beautiful, bright, healthy teeth:

  1. Quit smoking: many people automatically think of the lungs when they consider the impact of smoking. However, it’s also damaging for your mouth. Smoking stains the teeth, and increases the risk of gum disease. It also slows the natural healing processes after dental surgery, and it’s one of the main risk factors for oral cancer. Giving up smoking is no mean feat. It takes willpower, strength of mind, and commitment. If you’d like to try and give up smoking, we are here to help you.
  2. Cut down on sugar: most of us consume too much sugar. If you have a high sugar diet, this can increase your risk of dental problems, obesity and type 2 diabetes. Avoid adding sugar to hot drinks, and replace fizzy drinks with sugar-free cordial or water. Use a food diary or an app to keep track of your sugar intake, and always read the labels to check the sugar content of the foods and drinks you buy. Even ‘healthy’ products like cereal bars and bottles of juice can contain a lot more sugar than you’d think.
  3. Keep up to date with dental appointments: has it been a while since you went to the dentist? If so, make 2017 the year your dental attendance record is perfect. Seeing a dentist for regular check-ups reduces your risk of developing cavities and gum disease by up to 60 percent. It will also help to save you money on dental care in the long-run.
  4. Clean your teeth: Have you been lax with your dental hygiene routine in the last few months? If so, it’s time to make up for lost time, and get brushing. You should brush your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes each time.
  5. Exercise: you may not think that exercise has benefits for your oral health, but you’d be amazed at just how good for you a jog in the park or a session at the gym can be. Exercising boosts your immunity, which reduces your risk of oral infections, and it also improves circulation, which decreases your risk of developing gum disease.