It’s the New Year and here at Bite Dental, we want to focus on you. With New Year comes new resolutions, but how many times do we go through with these and make a change within ourselves? Well, this year we want you to achieve your health goals and your dental goals.
The most common new year’s resolutions are exercise more, eat healthier, save money, lose weight, reduce stress, get more sleep and improving your smile. However, the one problem that we all struggle with is that these resolutions are usually the same one from the year before or even the year before that. So, what has not changed? How can we achieve these to create new goals for next year?
Well, it comes down to creating mini goals. Yes, you want to exercise more but how are you going to achieve this? Cardio three times a week? Weightlifting twice a week? The easiest way to achieve any goal is to break it down to smaller achievable goals. With consistency and a solid game plan, we can aim to achieve your goals, and hopefully not carry over the same goals into the next year. To help you achieve a brighter, healthier smile here are five easy resolutions to improve your dental health:
Brushing and flossing regularly
Brushing and flossing are sure and simple ways to improve your oral health. For adequate plaque removal, be sure to brush for two minutes, two times daily. It’s important to use a soft toothbrush ideally with a small head (to reach corners of the mouth) and fluoridated toothpaste. When brushing your teeth, hold the toothbrush in a 45-degree angle towards the gumline and brush in a circular motion.
As much as you dislike flossing your teeth, it is one of the most effective ways to remove plaque build-up in between your teeth and preventing gum disease. There are different types of flosses available in the market, choose an appropriate one and use it regularly. Have a chat with your dentist or hygienist if you are confused about which one is appropriate for you.
Example of Mini goal: If you are someone who does not floss, pick three days (eg: Mon, Wed, Fri) and floss on those days to begin the habit.
Better food and beverage choices
According to Australian Oral Health Tracker published in 2018, more than 70% of children aged 9 – 13 years and 50% for adults aged 19 and over are consuming too much sugar. Excess sugar consumption has been linked to many health issues, including weight gain, increased risk of heart disease, dental caries and gum disease.
There are certain types of foods such as fruits, vegetables, dairy, leafy greens, and lean protein which can strengthen your teeth and improve your overall health. Chewing crunchy foods such as fruits and vegetables also help to stimulate saliva production, which can neutralise harmful acids in the mouth and protect teeth.
Example of Mini goal: Start incorporating the two fruit and five veg rule to improve daily nutritional goal.
Break the habit
Smoking claims 19,000 Australian lives each year and is the leading cause of preventable death and disability. It is also a major cause of tooth loss, gum disease and oral cancers.
The best way to quit smoking is to pick a specific date to give up the habit and dispose of everything smoking-related from your home. Let your friends and family know about your resolution so they can ensure you receive the support needed to curb the habit. To beat the cravings, engage in health and fitness activities, get help from a health professional or contact the QUIT hotline.
Example of Mini goal: Pick a day to quit smoking cold turkey or set small goals to cut down 1 cigarette per week if you cannot go cold turkey.
Book your routine dental visit
It is recommended to visit your dental professional for regular six monthly check-ups. This helps in early detection of any caries, signs of gum diseases or any oral cancers. It also gives you a good opportunity to get your regular cleans with your hygienist to ensure gums are maintained regularly.
During this time, your dental professional can provide you with advice on how to improve your oral hygiene and to minimise the risk of gum disease or any other severe oral health issues.
Example of Mini goal: Call Bite Dental to book in your regular check-up if you have not already done so.
Improving your smile
The new year is the perfect time to start any treatments that you have thought about to improve your smile. If you have ever thought about brightening your smile with whitening, improving aesthetics with veneers, or even improving your confidence by replacing missing teeth with implants, this is the best time to come in and have a chat to us. Here at Bite, we do a Smile Makeover packages for our clients, so come in and have a chat with your dentist at your next visit.
Example of Mini goal: Think about what you want to change this year about your smile and make a note in your diary to ask your dentist to explain the procedure at your next visit.
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