As we get ready to kiss 2020 goodbye, it’s time to start thinking about the things we’d like to do better in the new year. As a Houston Dental practice, we believe it is important to make some dental new year’s resolutions. If you have struggled with healthy oral care, now is the time to make changes to improve your smile. By improving your smile, you will boost your confidence and self-esteem. So, let’s look at 12 dental new year’s resolutions for a healthier smile and a happier you.

1. Buy a Better Toothbrush

According to the American Dental Association, people should “replace toothbrushes every three to four months or more often if the bristles are visibly matted or frayed.” When’s the last time you replaced your toothbrush? New Year’s Day seems like the perfect day to start the year with a new, clean toothbrush. It is also a good idea to upgrade your toothbrush. 2021 may be the year you choose to embrace an electric toothbrush or even a smart toothbrush. No matter what type of toothbrush you choose, make sure it has the ADA seal of acceptance.

2. Floss Like You Should

U.S. News reports, “The first nationally representative analysis designed to determine how many people floss their Teeth found that those who floss daily amount to 30 percent of the population. Just over 37 percent report less than daily flossing; slightly over 32 percent say they never floss.” Americans have a flossing problem. Let’s let 2021 be the year we start to floss like we should. This means flossing once a day.

3. Watch What You Eat and Drink

What we eat and drink has a huge effect on our overall health – including our oral health. Sugary, starchy foods are not good for your teeth and lead to cavities. Carbonated, acidic beverages harm your teeth. And some drinks, such as wine and coffee, stain your teeth. Before you take a sip or a bite in 2021, consider your pearly whites.

4. Whiten Your Teeth

If you’re embarrassed by the color of your teeth that have yellowed due to age or eating and drinking habits, whiten your teeth in the new year. In addition to making wiser decisions about what you eat and drink, use whitening toothpaste and schedule an appointment at Greenspoint Dental in Houston for Zoom teeth whitening.  Did you know there are also apps that can help motivate you to have a whiter smile in the new year? Check out apps like Whitening Simulator to be inspired and to track your whitening progress.

5. Fix Flaws

Your smile directly affects the way you perceive yourself, as well as how you are perceived by others. If you have noticeable flaws in your smile, this is the year to get them corrected. Our Houston dental practice offers a variety of cosmetic dentistry services, such as veneers. We also offer complete smile makeovers.

6. Brace Yourself

Are your teeth misaligned? Does your smile have some gaps? Even as an adult, you can get braces to improve your smile. In fact, over 1 million Americans over 18 years old wear braces! At Greenspoint Dental in Houston, we also offer orthodontics. Depending on your needs, we offer metal braces, ceramic braces, retainers, and Invisalign.

7. Visit the Dentist

If you haven’t visited the dentist recently, you need to schedule an appointment right away. Regular dentist visits are important for the prevention and treatment of different oral issues. During regular Houston dental visits, your dentist will look for any warning signs of tooth decay, gum disease, and cancer. Don’t let your fear of the dentist’s chair prevent you from going in 2021. Greenspoint Dental in Houston strives to make the experience calm and peaceful, and they even offer sedation dentistry for those who require it.

8. Stop Smoking

Delta Dental explains, “Using tobacco can harm your mouth in a number of ways, increasing your risk for tooth discoloration, cavities, gum recession, gum disease and throat, lung and oral cancer. Smokers are about twice as likely to lose their teeth as non-smokers.” Please, smoking is associated with several health issues.

9. Create Healthy Routines

One of the most effective ways to make sure you keep your new year’s resolutions is to create healthy routines. For example, rather than simply resolving to do a better job brushing your teeth in 2021, create a morning and evening routine that includes brushing your teeth for two minutes each time. If you need help establishing routines, there are a number of apps available that will send you reminders and notifications. There are also brush timer apps that make it easier to brush for the full two minutes.

10. Stop Grinding Your Teeth

2020 has been a stressful year. Have you had more headaches or jaw pains than usual? You are not alone! According to Medical Press, “Stress from COVID-19 has led to a surge in teeth grinding.” You may be grinding your teeth while you sleep. Your dentist can take a look and determine if this is a problem for you. Instead of living with the pain, try to break the habit by wearing a nightguard, and practicing relaxation techniques.

11. Chew Gum

Yes, you read that right. Your Houston dentist is recommending you chew more gum in the new year. Sugarless gum that is. As Mouth Healthy explains, “Chewing sugarless gum for 20 minutes following meals can help prevent tooth decay.” Purchase some packs of Xylitol-containing gum to chew whenever you can’t escape to the restroom to brush your teeth after a meal.

12. Drink More Water

Last but not least, make 2021 the year you drink more (fluoridated) water. Drinking more water is healthy for your entire body – including your teeth. Mouth Healthy explains, “Fluoride helps prevent cavities by making teeth more resistant to the acid attacks that cause cavities.”

Start 2021 on the right foot. Schedule an appointment at Greenspoint Dental in Houston today!

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