4 New Year’s Resolutions for a Better Smile

Many people make New Year’s resolutions based around improving their health. This year, why not make a few resolutions to start taking better care of your teeth as well as the rest of your grin? You can improve your oral health along with your confidence, and you may even end up saving money by avoiding common dental problems. Below are 4 New Year’s resolutions that can help you protect and enhance your teeth.

1. Begin Orthodontic Treatment to Straighten Crooked Teeth

Crooked teeth aren’t just an embarrassing feature that draw your eye whenever you look at photos of yourself. They can cause all kinds of issues, like decreasing your ability to chew properly, wearing down your teeth excessively due to an imbalanced bite, causing speech difficulties, and raising your risk for periodontal disease by making it harder to brush and floss. This year, you can schedule a consultation with your orthodontist in Cumming to see if you can use braces or clear aligners to straighten your teeth and take the first step towards a balanced, healthy smile.

2. Improve Your Daily Oral Hygiene Habits

The kind of care you give your teeth on a daily basis can make a big difference for your oral health. You’re probably already brushing at least two times every day, but there may be room for improvement in your technique. Make sure each brushing session lasts for at least two minutes, and hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to your gumline for the best results. Double-check your toothpaste to make sure it contains fluoride. If you don’t already clean between your teeth with dental floss or an interdental brush, start doing so at least once a day; this is the most reliable way to clean the areas that a toothbrush can’t get to.

3. Make Healthier Eating Choices

If you want to take better care of your smile, one of the most important steps to take is to reevaluate your diet. You’ll want to cut down on sugary or acidic foods and beverages that can lead to tooth decay. It helps to rinse with water afterwards so that harmful substances and bacteria are rinsed off the teeth. In general, try to eat more fruits and vegetables as well as other foods filled with nutrients that can actively contribute to healthy teeth and gums.

4. Stop Smoking

Smoking, of course, is already known to be associated with a number of dental problems, including gum disease. If you smoke, you can make this the year where you commit to quitting. It’s likely to be a long process, but luckily your regular doctor can recommend resources that can make dropping the habit easier.

These are just a few suggestions for oral health goals you can set for yourself this year. Your dental needs aren’t the same as everyone else’s; take the time to think about what your smile needs and what steps you can take to meet said needs. Your orthodontist or regular dentist might be able to give you tips if you’re not sure where to start.

About the Author

Dr. Susan Podray-Donovan has been working in dentistry for over a decade, and she’s happy to have had the opportunity to create so many smiles during that time. She earned her Orthodontic Certification at Temple University, and she is very involved with the Georgia Society of Orthodontics. She works closely with each patient to develop customized treatment plans that fit their needs; she does not believe in “one size fits all” care. If you’d like to schedule an orthodontic appointment with Dr. Podray-Donovan at Serenity Dental for the new year, visit our website or call (678) 879-3006.