Make dental health your New Years Resolution in 2016. Keeping on top of your dental health is as easy as scheduling checkups, brushing and flossing appropriately, and choosing the right foods. Follow these tips for keeping your smile healthy in 2016!

Schedule Regular Checkups

If you don’t have a regular dentist yet, now’s the time to find one. Even if you aren’t keen on scheduling regular checkups, having a dentist that you trust in the event of a problem or emergency can make all the difference for your dental care. Let’s not forget that regular checkups can help prevent problems before they happen. Your dentist can often spot problem areas that will go ignored until a more major problem is imminent.

It’s a good idea to schedule regular checkups with your dentist every six months. Your dentist may advise that you only need to stop in for yearly checkups if you’re on top of your dental health at home, or he or she may suggest that you need to come in every few months. It all depends on your unique smile and if you have any existing dental health problems. Remember, visiting a dentist twice a year can prevent problems, encourage oral health, and even save your smile!

Brush Properly, Floss More

Brushing your teeth prevents the buildup of plaque, removes bacteria, and keeps your smile looking great. However, brushing doesn’t count for much if you aren’t doing it properly. If you tend to brush your teeth hard, you may actually be wearing away the protective enamel that covers your tooth and its roots. Once this is gone, it can’t be replaced. Proper brushing involves soft, swift strokes that focus on small areas at a time. Talk with your dentist about how to properly brush your teeth.Flossing is also important to keep your smile looking its best. Food is easily trapped in between teeth, and over time, this can even cause infections, gingivitis, and chronic bad breath. Yuck! No matter which flossing tools work best for you, be sure to use them. It’s ideal to floss at least once a day. Ask your dentist how you can make flossing easy!

Optimize Your Diet

You’ve heard that sugar isn’t good for teeth—but it’s not the only corrosive substance out there. Other foods and beverages such as alcohol, soda, juice, coffee, dried fruits, citrus fruits, and starchy snacks like potato chips can damage your teeth. Even dairy can be corrosive to the teeth due to its acidic nature. Do you have to stop eating or drinking all these things? No! The point is that by keeping up with brushing and flossing, you can help keep your mouth healthy. Also by choosing healthy foods to snack on throughout the day such as carrots, apples, and celery. Keep sugars and starches to a minimum!

Taking care of your dental health is easier than you think. By making your dental health your New Years Resolution, you can ensure your smile stays healthy for life. Schedule a checkup with your dentist, keep brushing and flossing, and reach for carrot sticks instead of lollipops. Happy New Year!

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