Resolve to build a heathier smile in 2024
Improving your oral health makes for a good New Year’s resolution
December is the time of year when we tell ourselves that next year will be different. We’ll finally make the changes necessary to attain our health goals and look our best. Is building a better, healthier smile one of your goals for the coming year?
Dr. Craig Janssen and the team at Janssen Dental Clinic are committed to helping you successfully pursue an oral health New Year’s resolution that contributes to your overall well-being as well as enhances your smile. As an expert in biological dentistry practices and the philosophy behind them, Dr. Craig can help you understand how emphasizing your oral health plays an important role in your overall health journey.
Your mouth literally is the gateway to the rest of your body. Poor oral health can have broader implications than simply getting a cavity or developing gum disease. Research has shown that conditions as varied as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and respiratory ailments all might have their basis or become more severe as a result of oral health issues.
It’s never too late to take actions toward better health. If it takes a New Year’s oral health resolution to get you started, that’s okay. Your smile and the rest of your body will be happy you did.
Use this checklist to begin your oral health resolution
There are some things you can do to take control of your oral health that are pretty simple to accomplish. At least in theory these suggestions are simple, but any change from your normal routine will take effort. The most effective strategy is to combine an understanding of the “how” with identifying a strong personal “why” to keep you motivated.
Regular dental check-ups – You are already on the right track if you come in for check-ups twice per year. If you don’t, this is a good place to start. These visits enable Dr. Craig and our team to provide professional cleanings and address issues as they arise.
Pay attention to daily oral hygiene – This is the easiest item to address because you have complete control over whether you do it or not. Brush at least twice per day or after every meal if possible. We recommend daily flossing. Consider investing in a water-jet oral health appliance if flossing isn’t your thing.
Watch what you eat – Keep in mind that foods high in sugar and acid can harm your teeth. Mix in more fruits, vegetables and foods rich in calcium to strengthen your teeth rather than break them down.
Quit using tobacco – If this applies to you, maybe this is the year you finally follow through on that New Year’s resolution to quit. Tobacco use is a significant risk factor for gum disease and oral cancer, and it stains your teeth.
Drink more water – Water does a lot of good things for your body. Washing away food particles and bacteria is one of its primary benefits to oral health.
Increase your chance of successfully reaching your goals
There are no two ways about it: making changes to your daily routine is challenging. Sticking to New Year’s resolutions can be especially difficult. Try not to give up if you find yourself slipping here or there. Your goal is to make progress, not necessarily to attain perfection.
Here are a few ideas that can assist in making your journey a success.
Establish a daily routine for your oral health habits. Set reminders on your phone or post notes in your bathroom to remind you.
Tell your family what you’re doing and give them permission to hold you accountable.
Model your behavior for your kids. Good habits will set them up for a lifetime of healthy routines and provide a little extra motivation for you to follow through.
Celebrate your small victories, whether it comes in the form of brushing your teeth more than you had been or having a good six-month dental appointment. Your brain will respond to positive reinforcement, so make sure to reinforce the successes on your New Year’s resolution journey.
About Janssen Dental Clinic in Green Bay, Wisconsin
Janssen Dental Clinic features the dental expertise of Dr. Craig Janssen, a third-generation dentist serving patients in Green Bay, Wisconsin, and the surrounding area. Dr. Craig and his staff specialize in oral health as a component of overall well-being, a philosophy of care known as biological dentistry. They have expertise in reducing the fear and anxiety that people of all ages feel over going to the dentist, with services ranging from routine cleanings to restorative and cosmetic procedures. Call (920) 983-8383 to schedule an appointment. New patients are always welcome.