New Year’s resolutions are popular, but many will fall by the wayside in a matter of just a few weeks, so this year, why not resolve to keep your teeth healthy? Improving your dental health is frequently very straightforward, and it is a resolution that is easy to stick to. Best of all, having good dental health is beneficial in so many ways. When you have a healthy smile, it can significantly boost your self-esteem and self-confidence, and it protects your overall health too. Having great dental health can also reduce your dental bills in the longer-term, and you have a far better chance of holding onto your natural teeth for life.

These simple strategies will help you enjoy a beautiful, healthy smile in the coming year.

Eat Your Fruits and Veggies


A good diet is essential for healthy teeth and gums, and poor nutrition can negatively affect your immune system and your overall health. Fruits and vegetables contain important antioxidants and other vitamins and minerals, helping to fight common dental diseases like gum disease. Additionally, crunching on crisp fruits and vegetables helps to remove some dental plaque from teeth because of their high fibre content. Aim to eat between 5 and 10 portions of fruit and vegetables daily.

Don’t Drink Too Much Alcohol


After the festive season, many people resolve to have a dry January, but it’s more about moderation year-round. Excessive alcohol use can affect your oral health because it dries out the mouth. When your mouth is drier, bacteria can thrive which increases your risk of dental disease. Also, people tend to forget to clean their teeth properly after drinking a bit too much and can make poorer food choices.

Quit Smoking


Another popular January resolution, which can do a lot to help improve your dental and general health! In addition to staining your teeth and giving you bad breath, smoking increases your risk of gum recession and gum disease and tooth decay, and your risk of developing oral cancer is also higher.

Commit to Brushing At Least Twice a Day and Flossing Once-A-Day


Regularly brushing and flossing your teeth protects them from tooth decay and gum disease by removing sticky plaque, which is a colourless and invisible film of bacteria that builds up on tooth surfaces each day. When you brush your teeth, make sure you brush for at least two minutes each time. You need to brush for this long to remove all plaque thoroughly. If you use a manual toothbrush, keep a timer in the bathroom or use your smartphone. Electric toothbrushes have built-in timers so commit to brushing right to the end of the sequence.

Here at West Bowmanville Family Dental, we know flossing is a chore for most people, but it can make a massive difference to your oral health. Newcastle dentists can always tell when people don’t floss regularly! Flossing helps to remove deep-seated plaque and food debris from in between your teeth and without it, your risk of developing gum disease is much higher.

Come and See Us Regularly for Checkups and Cleanings


Seeing your Clarington dentist for checkups and cleanings at least twice yearly is crucial for preventing dental health problems. Any small signs of disease can be detected and treated before they cause discomfort or need more comprehensive and costlier dental care. Regular hygiene appointments remove any plaque and tartar buildup, and your hygienist can offer lots of valuable advice on how to brush and floss more effectively. Just ask for help!

To enjoy the best dental health ever this year, contact our dentist in Courtice to schedule your checkup.