Your dentist can only do so much to help you maintain healthy teeth and gums—a beautiful smile also requires you to act. New Year’s is the perfect opportunity to seize control of your oral health. Add these five resolutions to your checklist for the year to come, and you’ll gain a more beautiful smile.

5 Dental Health Resolutions for the New Year

1. Revamp Your Oral Hygiene Routine

A good oral hygiene routine means brushing twice per day and flossing once per day.  It is especially important to get your mouth as clean as possible before you go to bed at night. While you might know these rules, do you follow them? If you aren’t practicing proper oral hygiene now, resolve to get it right next year.

2. Invest in the Right Dental Care Tools

 Buying new dental care tools can help motivate you to embrace your new oral care routine. Most rechargable electric toothbrushes will clean your teeth and gums better than a manual toothbrush.  If you don’t like flossing then you can try a Waterpik to clean those places your toothbrush can’t reach.  Your dentist can recommend which products, from toothbrushes to mouth rinses, best suit your needs.

3. Create a Smile-Friendly Diet

A balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, and protein creates a beautiful smile. Vitamin C protects against gum disease, and calcium builds strong teeth. Cut out unhealthy substances, like sodas—which are full of cavity-causing sugar and acid—and nicotine, which increases your risk of gum disease and stains teeth. A diet that is high in proteins and leafy green vegetables can help reduce your risk of getting cavities.

4. Treat Yourself to Cosmetic Treatments

If you have always dreamed of veneers or teeth whitening, resolve to go for it in the coming year. Use it as a reward for keeping up with your other resolutions and taking care of your smile.  Talk to your dentist to get a treatment plan, so that you can plan ahead.

5. Stick to Scheduled Dentist Appointments

Regular checkups are an essential part of preventative care. Your dentist can spot signs of gum disease or cavities before you notice symptoms. This allows for early treatment and prevents more serious developments, which can save you time, money, and discomfort. 

For a full-service dentist in Columbia, MO, that can take care of checkups for your entire family, look to Keen Dental Care. As a smaller practice, these professionals value each patient individually and provide personalized care rooted in meticulous attention to detail. They serve patients of all ages. To schedule an appointment, use the online form or call (573) 875-5336.