Protect Your Smile with These 4 New Year’s Resolutions

Many people take advantage of the new year to start making important changes in their lives, such as breaking bad habits or improving their health. What kind of changes are you looking to make in 2024? Perhaps you’re concerned about dental problems and want to do more to keep your smile safe. To help you accomplish this goal, here are 4 New Year’s resolutions that your preventive dentist might suggest.

1. Start Brushing Your Teeth for Two Minutes at a Time

If you’re often in a hurry to rush out the door in the mornings, chances are that you’re not taking enough time to brush your teeth. According to many dental experts, each brushing session should last for two minutes; doing so will help you get rid of much of the plaque that can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. It’s a good idea to start using a timer while you brush so that you can be sure that you’re giving your teeth a proper cleaning.

2. Eat More Fruits and Vegetables

A nutritious diet is critical for keeping your entire body healthy, and that naturally includes your mouth. Failing to eat well could hurt your immune system’s ability to fend off harmful bacteria and inflammation – and that can effectively increase your risk for gum disease. In order to keep your gums healthy, you should make a point of eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, which can help give your immune system a boost.

As an added benefit, certain fruits and vegetables can actually help you maintain a clean smile. Chewing on crunchy apples, carrots, and celery removes some of the plaque from your teeth, and it can even lead to fresher breath.

3. Drink Less Soda

Soda is infamous for the negative impact it can have on your oral health. For one thing, it is very acidic, meaning it can significantly damage your enamel if you drink it too often. For another, it contains a lot of sugar and can thus increase your chances of developing cavities. Your smile will be a lot better off if you make an effort to drink less soda during the coming year.

4. Begin Flossing

Less than half of adults in the United States floss every day. If you aren’t flossing regularly, you could have a higher risk of gum disease due to plaque and food particles building up in areas that your toothbrush can’t reach. The new year presents a perfect opportunity to start introducing flossing to your oral hygiene routine so that you can better protect your smile.

Making the right New Year’s resolution can go a long way toward helping you make the best choices for your teeth and gums. That way, when 2025 rolls around, you will be able to greet it with a dazzling, healthy grin.

About the Author

Dr. Jason Aptaker earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, and he has completed a General Practice Residency at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital. At Shore Points General and Implant Dentistry in Manasquan, he is continuing a tradition of bringing his patients quality dental care. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Aptaker for the new year, visit his website or call (732) 223-9199.