3 Ways to Keep Your Smile Healthy in 2019

Many of us create resolutions each new year with the best of intentions. Usually those resolutions have to do with getting (and, most importantly, using) a gym membership. Maybe taking that salsa dancing class. Perhaps learning how to play an instrument or learn a language.

Unfortunately we know that many people out there don’t set goals when it comes to their smile. Just like anything else, taking care of your teeth and gums can (and should) be a labor of love.

Below are a few goals you can set that will help you out with your oral health — which is inextricably linked to your overall health study after study keeps finding.

EAT HEALTHY AND DRINK PLENTY OF WATER

Cutting out sugar and sodas alone will do wonders for your smile. Sugar and carbonated drinks high in acidity will break down your enamel and lead to tooth decay. Supplement this small lifestyle change with drinking the requisite amount of water each day — take your body weight, split it in half, and that’s how many ounces you should be drinking daily.

KEEP YOUR TWICE ANNUAL DENTAL CHECK-UPS

As we grow older it’s easy to stop keeping our routine check-ups and examinations, but it’s actually more important than ever to keep them as we advance in age. Staying on top of your oral health check-ups will give us the ability to tell if you have any problems and catch them in their early stages. We can easily treat nascent cavities before the infection spreads. If ignored, it could lead to needing a root canal procedure. Keeping your dental check-ups twice a year will help you avoid more costly problems down the road.

QUIT SMOKING AND CUT DOWN ON ALCOHOL

If you smoke when you go out and drink, you’re giving your smile a one-two punch to the gut. Instead, try chewing gum and drinking a water while you’re out. You can put a lime in there so no one bothers you.

If you do end up partaking in the occasional smoke break or the occasional adult beverage, don’t fret over it. Instead, take a proactive approach and pack a travel brush so you can retreat to the bathroom and take care of your pearly whites after a cocktail.

Taking these three measures while also properly brushing and flossing twice a day will help you maintain your oral health year-round. And, of course, if problems do ever occur, Mid Wilshire Dentistry is here to help. Schedule your consultation today and we’ll help you get to the healthy, sparkling smile you’ve always wanted.