According to The NY Times, only 29% of Americans are making New Year’s Resolutions this year. Down from 43% the year prior, it’s believed that this dip is associated with pandemic-related uncertainty. Fortunately, there is one goal you can set and keep despite what’s going on in the world: achieving a healthier smile. With this in mind, here are some New Year’s Resolutions to consider heading into 2022!
#1. Floss Every Day
Be honest… do you floss as often as you should? If not, there is no time like the present to start! Flossing is essential to thoroughly cleaning your teeth, preventing interproximal cavities, and avoiding excessive plaque buildup. If you find using traditional floss to be too cumbersome, try using a water flosser!
#2. Brush Your Teeth for Two Full Minutes
Do you often pick up your toothbrush and go on autopilot? Then you may only be brushing your teeth for 45-60 seconds instead of the full two minutes. To help build this habit, buy a toothbrush with a built-in timer or set up one on your phone!
#3. Replace Your Toothbrush Every Three Months
Have you ever tried washing a dirty dish with a dirty sponge? Well, using an old toothbrush to clean your teeth is just as effective. Therefore, the American Dental Association recommends replacing your toothbrush (or your toothbrush head) every quarter. PRO TIP: Disinfect your toothbrush weekly by soaking it in some hot water.
#4. Cut Back on Sugar
Do you have a sweet tooth? Then you may regularly reach for candy, ice cream, soda, and other treats that aren’t exactly mouth healthy. Heading into 2022, try swapping out some of these items with low-sugar alternatives and fresh fruit. Your smile will thank you for it!
#5. Visit Your Dentist Twice a Year
Even with all of the above best practices in place, your oral hygiene regimen is ultimately incomplete without your biannual dental checkups and cleanings. So, one of your resolutions should certainly be to visit your dentist every six months. While these visits may seem inconsequential, they play an important role in preventing cavities, catching oral cancer in the early stages, and detecting oral health problems early on.
2022 may still look a bit different, but that doesn’t mean you can’t achieve the healthy, happy smile you deserve. Fortunately, with the above resolutions in place, you can!
About the Practice
This year, and every year, our goal at Cosmetic & Restorative Dentistry of the Keys is to help nearby patients improve their oral health and achieve their dream smile. To accomplish this, our dedicated team is proud to offer everything from essential checkups to smile-transforming cosmetic dentistry all at our conveniently located office. If you’re interested in having a healthier and happier smile in 2022, then we’d love to help! To get in touch with us, visit our website or call 305-680-1553.