Healthy New Year: Take an oral health challenge as part of your New Year’s resolutions this coming year. But making healthier teeth a priority doesn’t only affect your teeth and gums.

Having a healthy mouth can lead to a healthier life overall. Gum disease, misalignment, and other oral health issues — if untreated — can lead to serious deterioration of your overall health.

Making a few small changes to your oral health regimen, on the other hand, can keep both your teeth and the rest of your body happy all year long. Here are some ideas.

Eat Healthier Foods and Brush Afterwards

Although you might have indulged a bit more than you should have over the holidays, the New Year’s holiday can mark a fresh start. Challenge yourself to eat more vegetables and fruit, eat fewer sweets, and drink more water and fewer fizzy and alcoholic beverages.

Kick smoking to the kerb, too. That’s two New Year’s resolutions for the price of one!

After your healthy meal, be sure to brush as soon as you can. If you’re eating out, consider taking a travel-sized toothbrush along with you.

If you can’t, do the next best thing. Excuse yourself to the washroom and rinse your mouth out after your meal. Brushing or rinsing after you eat will rid your mouth of harmful acids and bacteria that linger long once you finish your meal.

Don’t Forget to Floss

Brushing your teeth only removes some of the food particles that lodge in the nooks and crannies on your teeth. To really get a deep clean, you need to clean between your teeth with dental floss.

Flossing helps reduce dental plaque and stimulates your gums, making you less susceptible to gum disease and cavities. Floss at least once a day for about two minutes for best results.

Challenge Your Kids to Have Better Oral Health

Only 7 in 10 Australian children between the ages of 5 and 14 brush properly the required two times a day. It’s no wonder that 60 to 90 per cent of children have cavities, as studies show.

Engage them in your oral health challenge, too.

Keep a chart in the bathroom or on the fridge where your kiddos can check off their twice-daily oral health routine. Teach them to floss, too, so they’ll have healthy gums for a lifetime. Reward them with a prize for maintaining that routine every month or week — whatever works best for your family.

Finally, Make Sure to Visit Your Dentist At Least Twice a Year

Routine check-ups and teeth cleanings are essential to maintaining excellent oral health. No worries if you’re a bit anxious. At Integrity Dental, we have an extensive comfort menu to keep you relaxed and happy throughout your appointment.

Before 2022 arrives, we have a challenge for you. Book your next dental appointment with our friendly dental team today!