Happy New Year! Each year many of us contemplate how we can make the new year better than the last. Many people have health resolutions at the top of their list for improvement. Most recurring resolutions include exercising more, losing weight, eating more healthily, and taking a more active approach to health. It’s great that so many people have health at the top of their list, but statistics tell us less than 10% of New Year Resolutions are ever met. We’d like to share some tips to help improve your overall health and subsequently your oral health.
One of the first habits to modify is snacking. Continuous snacking can raise the acidity in the oral cavity which increases your risk for tooth decay. If snacks are part of your routine, be sure to choose healthy options and minimize as much snacking as possible. Making sure to pack your snacks if you’re out will prevent the inevitable afternoon indulgence. Here are some healthy snacking ideas:
-Nuts
-Cheese
– Low-sugar protein or snack bars
-Vegetables: (Carrots, Celery etc)
-Apples
-Plain Yogurt
-Hummus
It’s also really important to stay hydrated with water. If you can’t brush after eating, a little swish of water is always helpful!
Seeing as we are a dental office, we have to touch on flossing. Did you know that only 4 of 10 Americans floss daily and 20% never floss? Flossing is a simple and quick addition to your oral hygiene routine. An effective flossing routine only takes 2-3 minutes but can have a tremendous impact on both your oral and overall health. With good home care and regular dental visits, periodontal disease is a preventable disease. You can’t expect to improve your oral health without changing your habits. There are alternatives to flossing, we recommend discussing which option is best for you with your hygienist.
A water flosser may be the best option for you! Ask your hygienist on your next visit.
So this year instead of having a grand goal to “Be Healthier”, see what habits you can add, quit or modify to increase your chance of success. These may include the topics we covered but may also include, quitting tobacco use, limiting added sugar, or any other small changes. We are always here to help you on your journey to a healthier life! Wishing you all a happy and healthy new year!
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