New Year, New Grin: 4 Resolutions That Lead to Healthy Smiles

Clearly, the start of a new year is a great time to improve your health. Your freed-up schedule allows for exercise and weight-loss routines. Still, physical fitness isn’t the only thing you can work on in 2024. You could also make New Year’s resolutions for a healthier smile. By doing so, you’ll enjoy strong chompers over these next twelve months. Just let your Arlington dentist suggest some examples. So, here are four resolutions that make teeth and gums cleaner.

Brush for the Full 2 Minutes

Perhaps you rush through your morning and nightly brushing. In that case, resolve to brush for the full two minutes. This habit will give a big boost to your oral health.

Remember, dentists don’t suggest two minutes for no reason. Studies show that this level of brushing removes more plaque than a one-minute session. As such, it does more to lower your risk of tooth decay and gum disease.

(To help with the two-minute goal, consider using a timer. It’ll let you know how long you’ve been brushing at a given moment.)

Make a Habit of Flossing

If you don’t already have one, develop a flossing habit this January. This practice is a crucial part of oral care. By taking it up, your grin will flourish even more.

You see, a toothbrush alone can’t keep your mouth clean enough. It can’t handle the hard-to-reach places around your teeth and gums. Even so, once-daily flossing resolves that problem. By using floss between your pearly whites, you’ll remove plaque and food bits you’d otherwise miss.

Follow a Mouth-Healthy Diet

In line with your fresh start, you could follow a mouth-healthy diet this year. It’d do you more good than meals composed of junk food.

In particular, add more fruits and veggies to the menu in 2024. These foods have antioxidants and similar nutrients that fight harmful oral bacteria. By eating them, you’ll keep your teeth and gums better protected. Good examples of such items are apples, carrots, celery, etc.

Straighten Up Your Teeth

You can commit to straighter teeth even if you’re an adult. Many dentists offer orthodontic work for patients of all ages.

For example, you could get Invisalign. This treatment uses clear aligners to straighten your teeth slowly. After about a year, it’ll leave your grin looking nice and aligned! Your newly-straight smile will then be easier to clean and reduce the risk of oral problems.

In the end, there are perks to New Year’s resolutions for a healthier smile. Consider the four above as you start 2024!

About the Author

Dr. James T. Gray is a top dentist based in Arlington, TX. Since earning his DDS from the UT Dental School in San Antonio, he’s practiced in the field for roughly 30 years! Dr. Gray is thus well-versed in preventive, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry, as well as emergency oral care. His office is also a certified provider of Invisalign® clear aligners. Today, Dr. Gray practices at his self-titled clinic and is reachable on his website and by phone at (817)-460-4131.