If
you're making New Year's resolutions, you're not alone. One
study estimates that 45 percent of Americans set goals for themselves at
the start of every year. This year, resolve to achieve one of these
easy, yet effective, oral health goals.
Resolution #1: Floss!
Though everyone should floss at least once a day to help remove
debris and plaque from teeth, only 49 percent of Americans say they do –
and 10 percent say they never floss. If you're part of the
half that flosses less than the recommended amount, fix that the coming year.
It's as easy as unspooling 18 inches of floss and adding two minutes to
your nightly bedtime routine.
Resolution #2: Brush twice daily.
The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends brushing teeth at
least twice a day for two minutes each time, but only 49 percent of
American men pick up their toothbrushes more than once a day. At 57
percent, American women don't fare much better. Adding another
two-minute brushing session to your day is an easy resolution that
requires minimal effort – but delivers mouth-friendly results. For
cavity prevention, make sure you use fluoride toothpaste.
Resolution #3: Stop using your teeth as tools.
Your teeth are tools – ones meant for chewing and tearing
food, not ripping plastic packages or popping bottle caps open. Using
your teeth for tasks like this – or for gnawing on pencils, ice, popcorn
kernels or other hard objects – can result in chipped or cracked teeth,
possibly even requiring a root canal. It can be tempting to tear with
your teeth if you don't have scissors within reach, but finding another
creative way to open a bag of chips is a better bet for your oral health.
Resolution #4: Swap your gum.
If you're a regular gum chewer, swap your sugary pack for a
sugar-free one. With flavor options ranging from delectable desserts to
good old spearmint, there's no reason not to switch to
guilt-free gum. Bonus: Chewing sugar-free gum generates saliva, which
helps rinse stray food particles and acid from teeth.
Resolution #5: Trade in your toothbrush every three months.
The new year is the perfect time to put that saying “Out with the
old, in with the new” into practice. Worn bristles won't clean your
teeth as well, so if you're not consistently swapping out your
toothbrush or toothbrush head about every three months as recommended,
take 60 seconds right now to go through your calendar and jot down a
note to yourself to check your toothbrush every 90 days or so. Some
people wear their bristles out sooner, so if yours look bent or frayed,
they are no longer doing an effective job. Time for a new one!
This year, do yourself – and your teeth – a favor. Make one (or all) of these resolutions that are not only easy to keep, but also easy on your teeth.