Smile Healthy Habits For The New Year

Happy New Year! It’s the mark of a fresh start and a clean slate. While there are probably countless things you’d like to improve upon, don’t forget about your smile as you make your New Year’s resolutions for 2018. Your smile is one of your most powerful assets that you own. Not only does it drive a first impression, but it also plays a significant role in your overall health and wellbeing. What habits could you change for the sake of better dental health this year? Here’s some help.

Risky Habits to Kick 

There are many habits that wreak havoc on your oral health. Limiting these habits or eliminating them altogether could dramatically boost your oral health, and even leave you with a brighter, more attractive smile.

Smoking

Yes, it’s true that smoking causes tooth stains and bad breath. But that’s not all. Beyond drastically increasing your risk for oral cancer, using nicotine also promotes gum disease. Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in the United States, and it has been linked to stroke, diabetes and premature birth. Sadly, the vasoconstrictive nature of nicotine can mask the symptoms of gum disease, making it hard to detect this oral infection at its earliest and most treatable stage.

Snacking

What do your snacking habits have to do with your teeth? When you nibble on sugary and starchy snacks throughout the day, you are allowing the bacteria in your mouth to feed continuously on what they love. In return, harmful acids are produced that eat away at your tooth enamel. This process is what causes cavities. Try to keep your snacking to a minimum or sip water throughout the day to rinse away lingering foods. If you like to graze, be sure to choose healthy options for your smile, such as raw vegetables, cheese and nuts.

Sodas

Remember that process of tooth-eroding acid we mentioned earlier, sodas are the worst culprit. They are packed with high amounts of sugars and acids, making them a toxic bath for your pearly whites. The list of “bad drinks for your smile” also includes diet sodas, sweet tea, energy drinks and sports drinks. For 2018, make water as your beverage of choice!

Habits to Adopt for Your Smile Health 

If you aren’t doing so already, there are a few habits that you can implement this year for a healthier mouth and brighter smile.

• Brush Twice a Day
• Floss Daily
• See Your Dentist Every Six Months

What better way to kick off the New Year than with a routine dental checkup? Schedule your appointment at Avalon Dental Group today. We accept several dental insurance plans and can treat your entire family in one place!