5 Tips for a Healthier Smile in the New Year

A healthy and confident smile has plenty of benefits. A beautiful smile can have a huge impact on your relationships, social life and career. In the new year, you have an amazing opportunity to make some changes in your life, including taking better care of your pearly whites. But what exactly can you do to ensure this helps you achieve a new, healthy smile?

Here are a few simple ways to improve your smile this year.

BRUSH AND FLOSS EVERY DAY

Brushing your teeth at least twice a day helps to take care of plaque buildup and ensure good oral health. You should consider using toothpaste that contains fluoride as this will strengthen the enamel. In addition to brushing, flossing at least once a day allows you to remove food particles and plaque in areas where your toothbrush cannot reach.

EAT A HEALTHY DIET

The foods you eat can greatly affect your dental health. Processed foods are high in sugars that may stick to your teeth, effectively increasing plaque buildup and the risk of cavities. Foods that are high in acids can contribute to the wearing down of enamel and cause decay. As you change up your diet, limit your intake of these foods and eat more of those that are rich in calcium and vitamin C.

STAY HYDRATED

Proper hydration will go a long way in helping you improve your smile. Drinking plenty of water not only helps to keep your saliva pH properly balanced but also rinses harmful food particles and bacteria from your teeth. This ensures that your teeth stay strong and look healthy, effectively contributing to a beautiful smile.

ALTER YOUR HABITS

Certain lifestyle habits can cause damage to your teeth and gums, and adversely affect your oral health. This year, you should avoid using your teeth to open packages. It is also advisable to chase coffee or soda with water and avoid sipping on the beverages the whole day. Lastly, keep away from tobacco and alcohol because they almost always contain some kind of preservative acid.

VISIT THE DENTIST REGULARLY

When it comes to improving your smile, the importance of honoring your dental appointments cannot be denied. Experts recommend that you visit your dentist every six months for dental checkup, teeth cleaning and oral cancer screening. You should also get help immediately in case of jaw pain, swelling, bleeding or a toothache.

This list is by no means exhaustive. There are many more ways through which you can ensure good oral health and achieve a healthy smile. At Foote Family Dental Care, we offer quality dental services to help you get the smile of your dreams. If you are not happy with your smile, follow these five tips or contact us today to talk about improving its display. Our friendly staff will be happy to assist you.