4 Resolutions for Oral Health with Your Dentist in Grand Prairie

It’s that time again—time to make resolutions to be better and improve yourself. What do you want to work on this year? Would you like to be healthier? Well, if so, don’t forget your mouth. Your oral health matters and is linked to your overall health. By taking care of your mouth, you can also take care of your whole body. Check out these 4 New Year’s resolutions for a healthier mouth and a healthier you from your dentist in Grand Prairie.

Floss Daily

Although it seems like such a small thing, flossing can have a huge impact on your oral health. Brushing does remove a lot of food particles and plaque from your teeth, but your toothbrush cannot reach between them. The bacteria in plaque produce acids that irritate your gums and attack your teeth’s enamel. If allowed to stay there, plaque can lead to gum disease or tooth decay. Flossing significantly helps to prevent these.

Visit the Dentist Regularly

If you brush or even floss diligently every day, you may think that you don’t need to see the dentist every six months. But you really do! Even with daily brushing and flossing, you may miss some plaque that can build up over time. When it hardens or calcifies into tartar, it becomes much harder to remove on your own. The dentist or hygienist has the necessary tools and training to address this tartar and can give you a fresh, clean mouth.

In addition to the cleaning, your appointment with the dentist entails getting a checkup. They visually inspect your teeth, gums, tongue, mouth, and throat for any signs of serious conditions. These conditions include oral cancer and gum disease, and detecting them as early as possible is key to successfully avoiding permanent damage and extensive treatment.

Consume Less Sugar

Sugar isn’t only bad for your waistline. The cavity-causing bacteria in your mouth thrive on sugar and can wreak havoc on your oral health. By eating and drinking less sugar, you protect your teeth and gums from harm. Instead of eating sugary treats or processed carbohydrates as snacks, replace them with food that actually can help your mouth. These foods include the following:

• Dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt.
• Broccoli.
• Leafy greens.
• Apples.
• Carrots.
• Pears.
• Cucumbers.

Drink More Water

Instead of reaching for a sugary drink like soda, juice, or energy drinks, try drinking water instead. Not only is water sugar free, it also helps wash away food particles and plaque, improving your oral health. After you eat a snack and during meals, take sips of water to rinse your mouth clean.

At the beginning of this new year, resolve to become better at maintaining your oral health. It can help you improve your overall health and avoid unpleasant oral conditions that can have lasting effects. Make 2019 the year you changed for the better. For more information about oral health and preventive dental care, contact your dentist in Grand Prairie.