Six new year’s resolutions you can make for better oral health

It's always a good time to focus on your smile

Happy new year! Now that 2016 is officially here, you might decide it’s time for some new year’s resolutions to improve all those little (or not so little) things from last year. Things such as looking after your teeth and gums even better than before!

Like any new year’s resolution, there will be times when you can’t stick to your new-found resolve. If (or when!) this happens and you forget to floss one day, or devour a chocolate bar or two, don’t abandon your goals altogether. Remember there’s always tomorrow – and at the end of the year, your healthy teeth will thank you! Here are our suggestions for the top six resolutions you can make for better oral health in 2016.

1. Visit Wickham Terrace Dental for a check-up and clean

If you’ve not been to see us for a while, the new year is a great time to recommit to regular preventive dental appointments. It’s estimated that as many as a third of Australians don’t regularly visit the dentist. But that’s definitely not a good idea.

Without regular trips to the dentist, you may begin to suffer from tooth decay, gum disease, toothaches, and even tooth loss. What’s more, many of the most common oral health problems are painless in their early stages, when they’re easiest to treat – so you won’t even know you have them.

The solution? Simply visit Wickham Terrace Dental in Brisbane for a preventive dental appointment every six months. Our friendly team will examine your entire mouth, check for any early signs of dental problems, and carry out a thorough professional clean to keep your smile looking great.

2. Reduce your sugar intake

Now that the holiday season is over, it’s a great idea to review and reduce the amount of sugar you consume. Of course, many studies have shown the link between sugar consumption and tooth decay. So swap that fizzy drink for the healthy alternative of water, and chew on sugar-free gum after meals instead of indulging in dessert.

3. Make a healthy change to your snacks

After committing to less sugar in your diet, you’ll still find there are tasty treats you can indulge in without impacting on your oral health. Seeds and nuts are high in calcium (which can help prevent tooth decay and tooth loss), and fibre-rich foods can help improve saliva flow and even help to scrub away plaque and food residue from your teeth.

4. Ramp up your daily flossing

Even if your twice-daily brushing routine is the best it can be, you still won’t be removing the plaque and food debris that accumulates between your teeth. To take care of these small areas, make a resolution to floss between your teeth and around the gum line, every day.

If you find it hard to remember to floss, why not put the dental floss container on top of your toothpaste? Or, keep another container in your bag or at your desk at work, so that you can still floss if you forget to do it at home. 

5. Stub out your tobacco habit

Smoking is not only bad for your overall health, it also contributes to serious oral health problems. Discoloured teeth, bad breath, an increased risk of gum disease, and oral cancer are just some of the effects that can be caused by smoking. So make a resolution to give away the cigarettes for 2016, and your smile will thank you!

6. Smile!

With healthy teeth and gums thanks to good oral hygiene (and a little help from Wickham Terrace Dental), you’ll want to share your beautiful smile more often! And this wholesome habit can bring significant health benefits too.

Studies show smiling more often can help reduce stress, lower your heart rate, increase productivity, boost your immune system, and even release endorphins that act as natural painkillers. So make a resolution to show off your stunning smile today!

Get your oral health off to a great start in 2016. Get in touch with our friendly Wickham Terrace Dental team on 3831 3031 or contact us online today.