What Are Ideas on New Year’s Resolutions from Your Dentist in Lubbock?

Setting goals for yourself can be a great thing. On that note, so can New Year’s resolutions. Especially when they involve attempting to improve your health or maybe your financial situation. When you find a resolution that can potentially do both, now you’re on to something. When you commit to improving your oral health, it can improve your overall quality of life and save you a pretty penny when it comes to paying for dental treatments after you’ve developed problems. You can alter your daily regimen, and before long you’ve changed a problematic behavior without even thinking about it. Keep reading for suggestions on New Year’s resolutions for a healthy smile from your dentist in Lubbock.

Resolution #1: Implement Helpful Oral Hygiene Habits

Some examples of stellar dental care to power up your smile include gently brushing twice each day with a soft-bristled toothbrush, holding your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to your gumline, using fluoride toothpaste, flossing, or utilizing an interdental brush once per day, and rinsing with mouthwash after brushing.

Resolution #2: Quit Using Tobacco Products

Smoking and the use of other tobacco products invites oral health problems and stains your teeth. Nicotine is highly addictive but consulting a medical professional for insight on quitting can help you break free of the urge.

Resolution #3: Combat Dry Mouth

Your saliva is crucial to maintaining the health of your teeth and gums, as it provides your enamel with minerals, neutralizes acidity, and helps wash away food matter and debris. Fortunately, there are many ways to reduce dry mouth, such as chewing sugar-free gum or drinking milk to increase saliva production, drinking water regularly and especially before bed, and avoiding excessive alcohol consumption or using illegal drugs.

Resolution #4: Make Healthier Choices with Your Diet

Your diet can have a significant impact on your oral health. Steps to improve your diet can include limiting your consumption of sugary or acidic foods and beverages, reducing snacking, rinsing your mouth with water after having meals or sugary drinks, and eating lots of fruits and veggies.

Resolution #5: Visit Your Dentist in Lubbock Twice Each Year 

The best way to stop dental issues in their tracks is to detect them early or prevent them from happening in the first place. Regular visits to your dentist will help ensure that no dental issues go unnoticed or worsen into something more serious.

Following through on New Year’s resolutions to enhance your health is an excellent, money-saving choice. Allow yourself enough time for your new routine to morph into habits. For more helpful ideas, talk to your dentist in Lubbock!

About the Author

Dr. Kevin Shively earned his dental doctorate from the University of Louisville. During an intense, one-year externship after graduation, he focused on oral surgery, gum surgery, root canals, and other advanced topics. Currently, he has taken more than 600 hours of continuing education and is currently finishing up training at the world-renowned Dawson Academy. Dr. Shively loves the idea of you setting resolutions to improve your oral health. He can definitely help with the one about visiting your dentist. You can schedule a dental cleaning and exam on his website or by calling (806) 698-8660.