Dental resolutions to keep your smile shining bright

Good dental health is a marker of good well being – and is vital to confidence. The key to protecting your dental health is not to take it for granted. As with so many ills prevention is better than cure when it comes to looking after your teeth.

Here are some New Year’s resolutions to get your teeth into to improve your dental heath and protect yourself from future problems.

Brush at least twice daily

A good brushing routine is the cornerstone of good dental care. Regular brushing helps to prevent a build up of plaque by removing harmful bacteria.

Floss

Flossing regularly is an important part of maintaining dental hygiene as flossing between teeth removes bacteria that toothbrushes cannot reach.

Regular dental check-ups

Keeping up to date with your dental appointments is essential to allow any potential dental issues to be flagged up before they become a serious problem. Early treatment can usually resolve problems quickly. Dentists will also give teeth a professional clean, targeting hard to clean areas.

Cut back on sugary snacks

Sugar is your teeth’s worst enemy in that it mixes with harmful bacteria in the mouth to create acids that attack the enamel. Too much sugar – in particular sugary snacks – will lead to tooth decay.

Drink wisely

Fizzy drinks, fruit juice and sugary coffees will flood your mouth with sugar, impacting even further damage done from too many sugary snacks. Opt for water, milk or green/white tea to give your teeth a break.

Quit smoking

The health problems connected to smoking are well documented and these also extend to dental health. Stopping smoking will cut your chances of developing gum disease as well as a number of oral cancers.

Small changes can make all the difference when it comes to looking after your dental health. With just a little effort you can help to protect your dental health for years to come by sticking to a good dental routine.