With the New Year, most people pick resolutions about getting in shape, learning how to budget, or reading a book a week. But what are you doing about your oral health? If you’ve let your teeth health fall to the wayside, take a look at some easy—and dentist-approved—resolutions to get you back on track. 

How to Improve Your Oral Health in the New Year

1. Create Better Oral Hygiene Habits

You already know to brush and floss twice a day, but you can improve this simple task by upgrading your hygiene products. Invest in an electric toothbrush to help scrub away plaque between your teeth. And because the brush will do the heavy lifting, you’ll minimize the risk of brushing too hard, which can damage your gums. If flossing is painful or causes gum bleeding, switch to a water flosser instead. 

Next, it’s time to kick any bad habits. Don’t bite your nails, never use your teeth to open packaging or bottles, and avoid chewing on ice—all of which can harm tooth enamel. 

2. Pick Healthy Foods & Drinks

Your teeth need lots of calcium to protect the enamel, about 1,000 mg each day. Besides dairy, add salmon, beans, leafy greens like spinach and kale, and almonds to your diet.  

Nix excess sugar, which feeds on the bacteria in your mouth and leads to tooth decay. In addition to sweets, avoid fruit juice and simple carbohydrates, such as cereal, that break down into sugar. 

Also, be mindful of acidic beverages, which damages the enamel. Steer clear of soda, and if you do drink anything acidic, such as coffee and tea, sip through a straw. 

3. Schedule Regular Dental Appointments

Dentists recommend scheduling a visit at least twice a year to perform a cleaning and screen for gum disease and oral cancer. However, dentists recommend increased visits for those with gum disease, cancer, and heart disease. Pregnant women should come in more frequently since hormone changes can increase your risk of gingivitis. And those who smoke have a higher chance of developing oral cancer. 

To start your new year with a trip to the dentist, contact Richard A. Brunmeier, DDS in Lincoln, NE. Serving Lancaster County, Dr. Brunmeier also teaches at the Dental College in Lincoln and volunteers for Clinic with the Heart, which provides care to those with low income. Call (402) 484-6644 to schedule an appointment, and visit the practice's website for a full list of services.