Christmas has gone, and it is now time to welcome the new year 2018 with open arms. This means one thing to many people: New Year's Resolutions. What do you want to be better in 2018? Your health? Your appearance? Why not improve both by taking better care of your teeth? These 8 healthy habits from your dentist in Holly Springs at Twin Leaf Dentistry can dramatically improve the look of your smile while making it healthier than ever!

1. BETTER BRUSHING AND FLOSSING

Sure, you clean your teeth every day, but are you doing it the best possible way? Many people only brush once a day, but ideally you should brush in the morning and at night. How about your gums? When was the last time you thought about them? They're just as important as your teeth when it comes to your oral health, as they protect your teeth's sensitive roots. This year, while you’re brushing, be sure to clean where your teeth meet your gums, and you'll be helping your smile tremendously.

2. REFORM YOUR DIET

The first way to ensure a good dental health is to curb the bad dietary habits. What we mean by this is to restrict or eliminate the intake of those foods which can cause problems, not only for your oral but bodily health as well. Foods that contain too much sugar, oil, or such foods like meat and hard soda beverages; all are injurious to your bodily and dental health. So, you should make a concrete plan to change or revert your diet into something based more on natural sources. Lots of intake of fresh fruits and vegetables like celery, onions, kiwis, cheese, peaches, and liquids like green tea and water will do good.

3. WATCH THE SUGARY DRINKS

Cavities are caused by sugar. More specifically, the naturally occurring bacteria in your mouth consumes leftover sugar on your teeth and turns it into acidic plaque. Drinks high in sugar like sodas, juices, and energy drinks speed up this process. You don't need to give them up entirely, just limit your consumption to help protect your teeth.

4. DRINK MORE WATER

This will help you with #2. Whenever you're thirsty, you should try and just drink water. Not only will it keep you hydrated, but it will also give your teeth a nice rinse, removing excess sugar and food particles. It’s the next best thing to brushing your teeth, so give yourself a quick rinse during the day after meals.

5. REFORM BAD HABITS

Habits like smoking or excessive alcohol consumption can destroy your dental health. Both smoking and smokeless tobacco can wreak havoc on your teeth, as well as increase your risk of oral cancer. Tobacco can create a sticky film that is difficult to brush off, which can make stains cling to them. They also leave you vulnerable to gum disease, which is actually the leading cause of tooth loss. Do whatever you can to limit your use of tobacco, and you'll start to see dramatic changes in a short amount of time. Like smoking, alcohol consumption brings a lot of cancer-making conditions to your oral organs and that of your liver primarily. Therefore, avoiding both of these harmful things and cutting off their habit will not only improve your dental condition, but prolong the life as well.

6. PURCHASE AN ELECTRIC TOOTHBRUSH

Clinical studies have found that it removes up to five times more plaque than a manual toothbrush, since most people do not brush effectively. She also states the importance of flossing for removal of plaque from between the teeth and below the gumline. Dr. Feng's toothbrush of choice is the Philips Sonicare DiamondClean Rechargeable Electric Toothbrush.

7. RESTORE OR PRESERVE TEETH

The new year is the perfect time to complete recommended dental work. Crowns, implants, and fillings help preserve tooth structure and maintain proper tooth alignment. If you know you clench or grind, you may be doing irreversible long-term damage to your teeth. Teeth grinding can be caused by stress, anxiety, sleep disorders, abnormal bite, or teeth that are missing or out of alignment. Symptoms include dull headaches, jaw soreness, painful teeth, or fractured tooth surfaces. If you're concerned about teeth grinding, ask your dentist about solutions.

8. DON'T FORGET US!

No dental care regimen would be complete without regular cleanings and check-ups. Two short visits each year allow Dr. Connie Feng and her team to clean your teeth in ways you simply can't at home, and give them the chance to catch any dental issues you might have early. They can help you finally take care of your broken and missing teeth, and even take your smile to the next level with a variety of cosmetic services. All in all, Dr. Feng can do things for your teeth that you can't on your own, and they may be exactly what your smile needs to be its best in 2018.

Want to know more?

The year is just starting, which means you have plenty of time to benefit from these habits. They only take minutes a day, but can dramatically change the look and feel of your smile. If you'd like to know more handy every day tips you can use this year, please give us a call today to schedule an exam with Dr. Connie Feng at Twin Leaf Dentistry.