2022 is winding down and that means people everywhere are thinking of New Year’s resolutions that will help them improve their lives in 2023. While you may be considering a resolution that involves getting more exercise or changing your diet, the team at American Dental has some ideas you can add to your list that will prioritize your oral health. Here are 5 resolutions you can make that will give you healthier teeth and gums in 2023:
Change Your Toothbrush More Frequently
A 2022 survey conducted by Delta Dental has revealed that only 55% of adults switch out their toothbrushes once every 3 months as recommended by the American Dental Association (ADA). Changing your toothbrush more frequently will prevent you from reintroducing old bacteria back into your mouth, and it’s a simple resolution you can make to improve your oral health.
Brush Twice Every Day
How often do you brush? The 2014 Delta Dental Survey estimated that while 98% of adults brush once per day, 31% do not brush a second time. If you want to greatly improve the health of your teeth and gums in 2023, we suggest making a resolution to brush every morning, and then brush again before you go to bed.
Think About The Foods And Beverages You Consume
Your diet affects more than just your physical fitness, it’s also a major contributor to your overall oral health. Sugary foods and drinks allow the naturally occurring bacteria in your mouth to thrive, and when they get overgrown, the byproducts they produce can erode your tooth enamel. Not only that, but as these bacteria go through their life cycle, they die and become calcified, creating tartar buildup around your teeth and gums. Over time, tartar buildup causes your gums to recede, leading to gingivitis and full-blown gum disease. Reducing your consumption of sugary foods and drinks in 2023 will go a long way toward improving your oral health.
Floss Every Day
Using dental floss is one of the best ways to remove plaque and tartar buildup from the areas between your teeth. Unfortunately, an estimated 20% of Americans never floss. If you don’t currently floss, or you don’t floss once every day, you can take your 2023 New Year’s resolution as an opportunity to make a positive change for the health of your teeth and gums.
Schedule Two Dental Checkups
The ADA recommends getting a dental checkup twice every year. If you don’t have a checkup scheduled for the new year, now is the time to make that appointment! While you’re at it, be sure to schedule another one for six months later so your dentist can make identify any potential issues as early as possible.
If you’re a resident of the Chicago area, American Dental has 8 different locations where you can schedule your next checkup. Call (773) 741-4329 or click “Make an Appointment” to find out more about our affordable dental services in River West Chicago or anywhere else in the area. Make a resolution to take better care of your teeth and gums this year; the team at American Dental can help!