Seven Easy Ways to Improve Your Oral Health in the New Year

New Year’s resolutions are daunting as many of us make grand promises to ourselves about how much we will change as we move into the new year.

However, we feel defeated when we make grand promises we can’t keep for the long term. But what happens when we concentrate on making easier changes in our routine that are sustainable and easier to accomplish?

We’ve put together a few attainable ways to improve your oral health in the New Year without breaking the bank or committing to lengthy procedures. Try them all, or choose one you can commit to in a few minutes daily.

1. Don’t miss your dental visit. Regular check-ups are the best way to ensure a healthy body.
2. Dining out and can’t brush your teeth, chew sugarless gum, or rinse your mouth after your meal. Rinsing your mouth clears debris and bacteria, and chewing sugarless gum stimulates saliva production, helping wash away sugars and acids from tooth enamel.
3. At home, brush your tongue when brushing your teeth; you can even purchase an inexpensive tongue scraper. Removing the bacteria on your tongue’s surface takes just seconds and minimizes bacteria, bad breath, and the build-up of dead skin cells on the surface.
4. Purchase an electric toothbrush. With the variety of electric toothbrushes, the cost has dropped significantly. At the more reasonable end, a battery-operated electric toothbrush, such as the traditional Sonicare or Oral B, can be purchased at any pharmacy for around $20. Advantages of an electric toothbrush include:
   1. Stimulating the gums.
   2. Preventing you from brushing too hard, leading to periodontal issues.
   3. More effective cleaning due to vibrations dislodging hard-to-reach debris.
   4. Children love them. Yes, they make kids’ versions.
5. Set a timer and brush your teeth and gums for two minutes. Fun ways to accomplish this: brush while listening to a song or during an entire television commercial break, which usually lasts about three minutes. For your kids, sing Happy Birthday or Old McDonald while they brush.
6. Stay hydrated. Commit to drinking 2-3 liters of water every day. Your oral health benefits from water washing away debris and bacteria and stimulating saliva production, helping keep plaque under control. Hydration has other health benefits, including softer skin and a glowing complexion.
7. Improve your oral health as much by what you DON’T do as what you do. Being aware of and minimizing these habits, will protect your teeth against cracks, chips, and fractures:
   • Bite your nails
   • Use your teeth to open packages
   • Chew ice
   • Don’t eat whole lemons
   • Cut back on the ‘sticky, gummy, chewy’ candies, just like your orthodontist told you.
   • Cut back or quit smoking or vaping

Step into the New Year with dental resolutions that are easy to achieve and start 2024 on a positive note. By the end of the year, you’ll be amazed at how much healthier your teeth, gums, and whole body can be.