We love the new year because it’s like you get to wipe your slate clean and get a fresh start. One of the top 10 resolutions for 2022 is “Eating healthier”. That resolution not only improves your overall health but your dental and oral health as well. So, if you haven’t added that one to your list, we hope you do. And following are some tips and straightforward steps you can do to help you improve your teeth this year and make that New Year’s resolution come true.
Flossing
Flossing is so essential because brushing alone is not enough to remove the plaque from your teeth. Not taking care of plaque can lead to problems, such as cavities and gingivitis.
Flossing is even more important when you wear braces. Braces trap more food, and it’s harder to get everything out of them with just brushing. See your orthodontist if you have questions or are unsure how to floss with braces.
Eat and Drink Healthier
Cutting back on sugary snacks can improve your oral health. Tooth decay strikes more rapidly when you’re eating a lot of sugar. Choose sugar-free snacks, drinks.
Also, take care to limit overly acidic foods such as citrus fruits, tomatoes, coffee, and wine. Too much acid contributes to tooth decay, so make sure you give your teeth a good brushing or rinse after an acidic snack or drink.
You can also eat foods that will help strengthen your teeth. For example, leafy greens are high in calcium. Calcium strengthens the hard outer shell of your tooth called enamel. Also, fibrous foods are good for your body and help your mouth create more saliva to scrub away plaque and strengthen your teeth.
No Tobacco Products
Tobacco is responsible for a wide variety of health issues. Smoking doubles one’s risk for gum disease, and tobacco will stain and damage your teeth. There are many tools you can find on the internet to help someone kick the habit if this is a New Year’s resolution. If you have any questions about using tobacco products and your teeth, we are glad to answer them.
Get Braces if You Need Them
If you need braces but have not gotten them yet, this year is the year! Braces correct bite problems and spacing issues that can affect your jaw. Fixing these problems helps prevent oral health issues such as tooth decay, gum disease, jaw problems, and even tooth loss. Proper orthodontic care goes beyond simply improving your oral health; it can improve self-confidence.
It’s never too late to have the beautiful smile you deserve! Over the years, our practice has treated many adults. In fact, one in five orthodontic patients is twenty-one or older! We offer many types of braces, including traditional braces and clear aligners for both children and adults. We also have a Cobb’s Kids Program. This program is for anyone ages 7-12 who are transitioning from baby teeth to adult teeth. Seeing a child by age 7 gives us the best chance of catching problems early.
Visit Your Dentist
Your dentist focuses on the overall health of your teeth – and they perform teeth cleanings and checkups. Get your teeth professionally cleaned by your dentist every six months during your orthodontic treatment. Ensure that there isn’t anything lurking within your mouth that needs attention.
Final Words
At Cobb Orthodontics, we encourage you to keep your New Year’s resolutions for your dental and oral health and we will help you along the way. We are in the business of helping you have a great and confident smile. Contact us to schedule an appointment and get any questions answered. We hope you accomplish everything you want to in 2022.
Happy New Year!
Dr. Tripp Cobb
Greensboro Orthodontic Office
Randleman Orthodontic Office
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