Happy New Year! It’s time again to start thinking about how you can make the next 365 days better, and what changes you can make to help achieve your goals. If you’re looking to improve your health in 2025, a great place to start is with your oral health. Here are five important habits you can implement to get you started on your journey towards making this year your smile’s best year yet!
Eat a Healthier Diet
Eating a diet that’s rich in nutritious foods is an essential part of keeping your teeth and gums healthy. Oral bacteria flourish when carbohydrates and sugar are available, so don’t give them a chance to survive. Pack your meals full of plenty of fruits and vegetables, lean protein, and healthy fats, and you’ll reduce your risk of dangerous oral health conditions like cavities and gum disease.
Say NO to Tobacco
Kicking the tobacco habit is another important way to protect your teeth and gums from harm. Whether you smoke cigarettes, chew tobacco, or even vape, you are leaving your mouth vulnerable to oral cancer, bad breath, gum disease and more. Quitting can help lower your risks and extend your life, too!
Cut Back on Alcohol
Studies have found that drinking four or more alcoholic beverages in one sitting increases your risk of gum disease. Worse yet, if you smoke and drink, you’re less likely to brush and floss regularly, further increasing your risk of oral health problems. Thus, lowering your consumption of alcohol can help protect your smile and keep you looking and feeling your best.
Keep it Clean
A solid oral hygiene routine is very important. Not only does it keep your teeth and gums looking their best, but it protects them from bad bacteria that causes cavities and gum disease. Thus, be sure to brush your teeth twice a day and floss at least once a day. This will keep your teeth clear of debris such as bacteria, food particles, and plaque and lower your risk of painful oral health problems down the road.
Don’t Forget to See Your Dentist
Even if your teeth look and feel fine, it’s very important to visit your dentist regularly for your biannual check-up and cleaning appointments. These not only keep your teeth looking sparkly white, but they can also help prevent any potential problems and correct any issues that may have arisen since your last exam.
Remember, oral health is important year-round, but January is the perfect time to renew your commitment to caring for your teeth and gums, so start 2025 off right and get into the (healthy) habit of caring for your smile again!
About Dr. Makwana
Dr. Kamlesh Makwana grew up admiring his own dentist and the way he made patients feel understood and cared for. Today, Dr. Makwana is proud to provide that same type of treatment for his own patients. Whether you’ve got a pressing concern, you’re looking to fix a cosmetic issue, or you just need to get your teeth cleaned and examined, he’s here to help you achieve your oral health goals.
To schedule an exam and cleaning with Klassik Smiles, please visit our website or call us today at 636-928-9693.
