Happy 2021! January for most is a month of goals, resolutions and new beginnings… and after a year like 2020, it’s safe to say we could use a fresh start! If you’re a little late on setting your resolutions, our team at Advanced Dental Arts has an easy yet impactful idea for you – start prioritizing your oral health! Although brushing your teeth may seem like second nature to you in this stage of life, it’s important to actively maintain healthy habits to keep your teeth strong. After all, you only get one smile! Here are some goals you can set for yourself to make sure that 2021 is a year you’ll be smiling through:
Brush after every meal
Everyone knows to brush their teeth, right? For the most part, this is true. But here is something to think about – how many times last year did you skip brushing at night because you were too tired? How many times did you run out the door in the morning before you brushed because you were late to work? Did you bring a portable toothbrush to your office for after lunch? The reality is, sometimes we slack on cleaning our teeth the way we should… but that’s okay! Make sure this is the year you prioritize your pearly whites.
Quit using tobacco and limit alcohol
Using tobacco is not only damaging to your overall health, but to your oral health too! Painful mouth sores, yellow teeth and bad breath are just some of the unpleasant side effects from smoking. There are also more dangerous repercussions, like mouth cancer. Quitting smoking is a tough, but incredibly rewarding resolution! Similarly, alcohol abuse or overuse can have negative effects on your teeth. Colorful drinks like red wine or sangria can leave stains, and sugars can cause decay. Skip the wine for some water when possible!
Floss, floss, floss!
Make your dentist proud this year by incorporating flossing into your daily oral care routine! (Trust us, when know when you’re in our chair and you’ve been slacking!) It will clean those hard to reach spots that a brush just can’t get to and remove excess plaque.
Eat healthier
Turn this resolution into two parts: change your daily diet, too! Foods that are high in sugar or sodium can produce plaque, bacteria and acid. This will erode your tooth enamel over time and will cause decay and cavities. Switch to a healthier diet and both your body and your smile will improve!
Maintain your semi-annual appointments
We can’t blame you if you skipped an appointment in 2020, it was an unprecedented and scary year. But make sure you are back on track this year! If it’s been a while since you’ve seen us, come on in! The team here at Advanced Dental Arts of Tampa, Wesley Chapel, Lakeland, New Port Richy and Citrus Park are excited to welcome our existing patients into the office in 2021, and we are also accepting new patients! We are still taking all necessary precautions to keep you and our staff as safe as possible, and haver ramped up cleaning and sanitation. If you are due for a semi-annual, or if you have concerns about your teeth and oral health, make an appointment today!