Did you make any New Year’s resolutions this year? Many people want to become the best version of themselves, but make the mistake of setting unreasonable or undefined goals. If you’re looking for practical New Year’s resolutions that will improve your life and are easy to do, why not start with your oral health? Read on as we go over four practical New Year’s resolutions you can make to achieve a healthier smile in Melbourne!
1.) Get Two Checkups & Cleanings
Commit to visiting your dentist every six months for your routine checkups and cleanings. Even if your teeth look and feel fine, these quick and easy appointments are essential for preventing problems from developing and spotting issues as early as possible. Even better, dental insurance typically covers 90-100% of two dental checkups every year!
2.) Perfect Your Brushing & Flossing
While the American Dental Association recommends brushing your teeth for two minutes twice a day, most people only brush for 45-70 seconds! Brush up on your technique by setting a timer or investing in an electric toothbrush with a built-in timer. You should also be taking the time to floss every day. If you find flossing uncomfortable or awkward, ask your dentist which flossing tools they recommend to make the job easier.
3.) Watch What You Drink
Many people will be watching their daily diets closely in attempts to lose weight, but are you also watching what you drink? Highly acidic beverages burn through your enamel quickly, even if they contain little to no sugar. And remember: enamel cannot repair itself. Overindulging in drinks like coffee, wine, soda, sports drinks, and energy drinks puts you at a much higher risk of cavities, discoloration, tooth sensitivity, and even damage! Keep an eye on what you drink throughout the day, and consider hydrating with some water instead!
4.) Break Bad Dental Habits
The New Year is a great time to start healthy habits and break bad ones. Do you chew on hard objects when you’re nervous or bored? Do you use your teeth to open packages or rip off price tags? These habits may seem harmless in the moment, but they quietly weaken your enamel. In the blink of an eye, you could find yourself with a chipped or cracked tooth! Try chewing on sugarless gum and keeping the right tools handy to keep your smile safe.
Make this the year you achieve the happier, healthier smile you deserve! Consider adopting one or more of the above resolutions and you’ll be well on your way to better oral health in 2022.
About the Practice
Dr. Beverly Rose has been serving the families of Melbourne and the surrounding communities since 1996. She and her team have completed advanced continuing education at the prestigious Las Vegas Institute and are proud to offer nothing but the best for their patients. With their state-of-the-art technology and personalized dental services, they can help you reach your goals for a healthier, more beautiful smile. To learn more, they can be contacted online or at (321) 259-4666.