2023 is here, which means there’s no better time to sit down and think about your intentions for the New Year. Many people focus on health and wellness for their resolutions, which is great! However, what many people don’t realize falls into that category is their oral hygiene and health. Not only can changing these seemingly small parts of your routine benefit your smile, but it can also improve your overall physical health, like reducing your risk of heart disease as it relates to common oral health problems like gum disease. Read on to learn three ways you can up your oral hygiene game in 2023.
Make Time to Floss Every Day
An estimated 30% of Americans floss at least once a day, despite this being a recommended habit to maintain healthy teeth and gums, suggested by the American Dental Association. If you’re in the overwhelming majority of people who don’t floss daily, 2023 might be your year to be more diligent about it.
Flossing helps remove plaque and food debris that gets trapped between the teeth, minimizing bacteria accumulation in the mouth that commonly causes problems like gum disease and cavities.
Schedule Both Checkups & Cleanings for 2023
If you have dental insurance, there’s no good reason you should be skipping out on your bi-annual checkups and cleanings with your dentist, because they’re 100% covered by your benefits! These visits are also crucial to maintaining good oral health and avoiding emergency visits to your dentist throughout the year.
Each checkup allows your dentist to spot the small signs of oral health problems and treat them before they progress and require more extensive procedures. The professional cleaning you receive from your dental hygienist will also remove all plaque and tartar accumulation from your teeth, preventing the development of gum disease and decay until the next time you see them.
Get That Orthodontic Treatment You’ve Been Needing
Committing to orthodontic treatment can seem like a big decision, but it’s one that can not only improve the look of your grin, but also the health of it. By straightening teeth that are crowded and misaligned, you’re able to improve your brushing and flossing effectiveness because there will be fewer nooks and crannies for plaque, debris, and bacteria to hide out in within your mouth. In addition, addressing bite problems like overbite, underbite, and crossbite, can prevent you from developing conditions that could lead to dental damage and worn enamel, like bruxism.
This New Year, set an intention to take care of your body, including your mouth! Not only will it help keep your smile looking and feeling great, but these intentions can be met without completely altering your day-to-day life, making your 2023 smile goals manageable to achieve!
About the Practice
At Healthy Smiles Dental Care, our team is led by six highly skilled dental professionals, including one certified periodontist. Due to the years of clinical expertise and training that each of our team members brings to the practice, we’re able to offer a wide array of specialized services, including everything from routine checkups and cleanings to orthodontics. For questions or to schedule an appointment, visit our website or call 517-333-3160.