{"id":99,"date":"2020-01-01T18:52:00","date_gmt":"2020-01-01T18:52:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.mydentistrybydesign.com\/blog\/?p=99"},"modified":"2020-01-29T18:52:46","modified_gmt":"2020-01-29T18:52:46","slug":"new-years-health-resolutions","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.mydentistrybydesign.com\/blog\/index.php\/2020\/01\/01\/new-years-health-resolutions\/","title":{"rendered":"5 New Year\u2019s Resolutions for a Healthier Mouth"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Most of us make New Year\u2019s resolutions, but a lot of them don\u2019t\nlast even through the month of January. Sticking to a new resolution,\nespecially one that has to do with your health, can be difficult, but it\u2019s imperative\nthat you remain committed throughout the whole year. New Year\u2019s health resolutions\nmight be the hardest, but if you stick to them, they will provide the most\nbenefits. Here are five dental\nhealth<\/a> care resolutions to give you healthier teeth and gums in 2020. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Book a Dental Cleaning <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

According to the American Dental Association, about one-third\nof Americans don\u2019t see their dentist every year as they should. However,\nscheduling a checkup and cleaning is one of the most important things you can\ndo when it comes to taking care of your oral health. Your dentist can detect\nearly signs of issues like gum disease or tooth decay. They can also advise you\non how to better take care of your dental health while at home. Set a reminder\non your phone to call your dentist as soon as they open after New Year\u2019s.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Get in the Habit of Flossing <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Speaking of taking care of your oral health at home, one of\nthe best ways to accomplish this is by flossing every day. Ideally, you should\nfloss before bed to remove bacteria that could wreak havoc between your teeth\novernight. One way to remember this habit is to place your floss on your bed,\nso you can\u2019t go to sleep without being reminded. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Give Up Smoking <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

People who smoke are twice as likely as nonsmokers to develop\ngum disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The\ncondition has been linked to an abundance of other health problems. Pick a date\nto kick the habit for good and get rid of all the tobacco products in your home.\nAsk your friends and family to help you through this challenging feat and hold you\naccountable. Your dentist or doctor also has resources to help you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cut Down on Sugar <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The more sugar you eat, the more likely you are to develop\ncavities. One way to reduce your sugar intake is by simply not buying as many\nsweets. Make healthy substitutes instead, like seltzer water for soda and\nsugar-free gum instead of candy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stick to a Mouth-Healthy Diet <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Consume plenty of dairy products to provide your teeth with fortifying calcium. Fresh fruits and vegetables are also a great choice. Their fibrous skins clean your teeth as you chew them and help your mouth produce saliva, which washes away excess food particles and bacteria. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

To keep your New Year\u2019s health resolutions, it helps to take\nit one day at a time. Don\u2019t worry if you mess up one day by eating a piece of\ncaramel or forgetting to floss. Just remember to stick to your resolution the\nnext day! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

About the Author <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Dr. Luke\nLumpkin<\/a> earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree in 2006 from the\nUniversity of Oklahoma\u2019s College of Dentistry. His professional memberships\ninclude the American Dental Association, the Academy of General Dentistry, and\nthe American Academy of Sleep Dentistry. His ultimate goal in dentistry is to\ncreate a positive, high-quality environment that always exceeds his patients\u2019\nexpectations. To learn more, you can contact<\/a> Dr.\nLumpkin\u2019s Bartlesville, OK practice at (918) 336-6777. <\/p>\n\r\n