3 New Year’s Resolutions to Keep for a Healthier Smile

Losing weight, starting a new job, moving to a new city, and focusing on self-care may be on your list of New Year’s Resolutions, but that shouldn’t be all. If you are looking to take control of your appearance and better care of yourself in 2022, why not focus on improving your teeth and gums too? Before you prepare to start checking items off your list, go ahead and add these three items to ensure a healthier smile this year.

Establish Healthy Eating Habits

If you want to lose weight and improve the health of your teeth and gums, it’s best to start by swapping out holiday sweets and starches for fruits, vegetables, leafy greens, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy. Not only do you increase your risk of tooth decay and cavities when consuming cakes, cookies, and chips, but you pack on unwanted pounds too. By establishing healthier eating habits, you’ll give your body the fuel it needs to exercise while also lowering your risk for heart disease, diabetes, and other overall health problems. Not to mention, you’ll better protect your tooth enamel and enjoy greater gum health

Kick Your Smoking Habit for Good

Smoking is known for its negative impact on the body and smile. The awful smell lingers on clothing, skin, and breath, and it raises your risk for gum disease and oral cancer. Because these two dental problems can quickly worsen (and even be fatal) if left untreated, why not kick the habit for good in 2022? With so many available cessation resources and support groups, you can say so long to cigarettes, cigars, vape pens, and other tobacco products. As a result, you will notice that you feel better, enjoy improved overall health, and can embrace a more beautiful and less odorous breath, which means a healthy smile.

Stick to Your Six-Month Dental Appointments

Your dentist is one of your biggest allies when it comes to optimal oral healthcare. Offering preventive, restorative, and emergency services designed to repair and restore your teeth and gums, a dental professional’s keen eye is pivotal to ensuring the health of your future smile. Your dentist can easily identify problems early on and implement effective treatment strategies to mitigate decay, disease, and possible infections that can often lead to tooth and bone loss. By committing to your six-month dental checkups and cleanings, you’ll be taking the appropriate steps to enjoy a decay- and disease-free smile year-round.

Make your smile a priority in 2022 by adding these three tips to your list of New Year’s Resolutions. As a result, you’ll see a noticeable difference in your appearance and feel good about the future of your oral health.

About the Author
Dr. Mark Simeone has nearly two decades of experience as a general and cosmetic dentist. He completed his advanced education in general dentistry at Rutgers University before completing his doctoral studies and residency. Dr. Simeone has become one of the most respected dentists in his field and enjoys helping his patients achieve healthy smiles through preventive care. To learn more about Dr. Simeone,  contact us at (610) 383-1600.