There are so many types of resolutions that can be made in the New Year. One area that people easily overlook is their oral health. If you struggled with cavities, gum disease, or other dental problems, following these dental care resolutions can help you have healthier teeth and gums this year and in the future.

1. Drink More Water

With so many coffee, tea, and smoothie shops everywhere, it’s easy to turn to beverages other than water to quench your thirst. But water is the one drink that keeps the body truly hydrated and delivers serious oral health benefits at the same time. When you drink water, you help your mouth form saliva while also cleaning out food particles that hang around after a meal. This helps minimize the chances of developing tooth decay and other problems.

2. Floss Daily

Are you a dedicated flosser? If you are, good job. Many people are not committed to this daily oral hygiene task, but it’s one step in your dental care that you can add in right now and begin to see major benefits. Dental floss is the most effective tool you can use to remove plaque from between teeth and prevent gum inflammation, bad breath, plaque buildup, and more. A toothbrush, after all, can’t reach everything. That slim stretch of floss is a powerful piece of dental care.

3. Use Mouthwash

If you’ve never used mouthwash but you continue to encounter oral health problems, now might be a good time to make this addition to your daily routine. Different flavors, intensities, and colors are available, and your dentist or hygienist can help you select the best brand for your unique oral health. Mouthwash not only freshens your smile, it helps kill bacteria that causes bad breath by flushing out remaining food particles to keep your mouth clean.

4. Reduce Sugar Intake

What you eat impacts your oral health and plays a major role in keeping your teeth in good condition. If you struggle with tooth decay or other dental problems, look at your diet. Do you regularly eat foods with high sugar content or rely on carbonated sodas? They increase the chances of developing cavities, especially if you ingest them and do not follow up with water or brushing your teeth.

5. Visit Your Dentist

It is recommended that patients see their dentist every six months for a teeth cleaning and dental exam. Skipping these visits because you’re busy or anxious or feel like you brush well enough at home is a fast track to dental problems. Your hygienist’s tools get in between and around your teeth, removing the particles your at-home care cannot. Your dentist’s keen eye notices potential problems with your oral health and stops them before they become worse.

Take the time to see your dentist regularly and save yourself from discomfort, pain, and emergency dental care. Schedule your first dental care visit of the year at Smiles by the Sea in Hampton, NH. Our dental team is ready to help you achieve the smile of your dreams.