A new year brings new resolutions. If you’re like most of us, then you likely have a long list of potential subjects to work on and improve. Maybe, the top of your list is better communication. It may be career advancement. It could even be the wide scope of better overall health.

These considerations set the tone for how the next 12 months will be lived. Few, however, think of dental health as both a resolution in itself and a big contributing factor within many of their other resolutions. You should, though.

Did you know that the health of your teeth greatly impacts your other behaviors and mindsets? An unhealthy smile impacts your relationships with others. It influences how you communicate – do you smile as a nonverbal greeting to others, or do you hide imperfect teeth behind a straight face? Are you self-conscious in business and social functions because of crooked teeth? Do you talk less for worry of bad breath?

As you see, your dental health is a big influencer in your life as a whole, which makes it a big ticket resolution that you can’t afford to put off.

One of the most important resolutions you’ll ever make is to improve your dental health, and it will serve you across all walks of life.

How do you go about oral care as a resolution?

As important and encompassing as this resolution is, it might surprise you how easy it is to fulfill it now and make it a lifestyle habit that will serve you for years to come. Start with two commitments:

1. Oral Hygiene

Your first resolve must be to brush and floss at least twice a day to ensure your teeth and gums stay healthy. Of course, you can take this healthy dental habit a step further by brushing after each meal and after consuming any sticky or sweet snacks and drinks. Brushing and flossing are crucial to remove bad bacteria that cause disease and decay.

2. Routine Dentist Appointments

Second, you’ll want to schedule routine appointments with the Houston Dental Services to check your progress and ensure your teeth and gums don’t need any treatment to stay healthy.

Dental Resolutions Are Total Body

If you have an eating disorder, arthritis, inflammatory disease, or cancer of the head or neck, dental health becomes all the more important as a total body health issue.

As mentioned above, the purpose of brushing and flossing is to rid your mouth of harmful bacteria. Left unattended, the bacteria causes more than just tooth decay. It can cause gum disease, the worst form of which is periodontitis.

Periodontitis isn’t a condition confined to the mouth. The associated inflammation can adversely influence many other systemic disease processes, including endocarditis and cardiovascular disease. If pregnant, it can cause premature delivery and lower birth weights. The effects are particularly worrisome for the immunocompromised, such as those with diabetes, HIV/AIDS, or undergoing cancer treatment.

What Will Your Resolution Be For 2021?

Hopefully, the above information has encouraged you to prioritize oral health as a healthy habit to adopt for the new year. All it takes to start is brushing and flossing habits and regular dentists visits. Simple.

Over time, you can build on that foundation with your dentist’s recommendations, such as limiting sugary snacks, avoiding late-night eating, and tobacco cessation. Don’t forget that an investment in your teeth is one in your self-confidence, relationships, communication, and even finances. Avoiding complicated oral treatment makes a lot of room for fulfilling those fun resolutions later.

If you’d like to get your resolution for stellar oral health started, then give our office a call today. We look forward to making the year truly smile-worthy for you.