Article at a Glance
Texas is at the bottom of the list for dental care habits and oral health, but tops the list of cheapest states for dental work.
Even if you have a great oral care routine, you may be able to add or alter some steps to do even better.
Consider cosmetic treatments to get the smile you dream of in 2020.
Happy New Year! It’s that wonderful time of year where people are committed to New Year’s resolutions, mostly involving fitness. January is the perfect time to reevaluate your life for changes to improve your well-being. You may want to consider a resolution to improve your smile.
How Dental Health Resolutions Can Improve Your Life
When it comes to oral health, Texans are struggling. In a 2019 study, Texas was near the bottom of the list for dental care habits and oral health. Even more troubling was the finding that Texas had the highest percentage of adults with low life satisfaction due to their oral health.
These results are surprising given that as a state, Texas is tied for the cheapest state for dental work. With low average dentist costs and excellent treatment options, there’s no reason for Texans to be unhappy with their smiles.
Good oral health is connected to your overall health. Physically, healthy teeth and gums manage bacteria that enters your system. Cosmetically, your smile is the first thing people notice about you and has a significant impact on your self-confidence.
Isn’t it time to add oral health to your New Year’s resolutions?
Changes You Can Make to Improve Your Oral Hygiene
It’s easy to neglect your oral health when you’re busy and stressed with the day-to-day grind. However, there are small changes you can make that will have a big impact on your overall health.
Refine Your Oral Care Routine
Take a good look at your current oral care routine. Are you doing everything you should for your teeth and gums? Even if you have a good oral care routine, there’s probably room for improvement.
- Brush your teeth at least twice per day and floss at least once per day. It’s even better if you brush after you eat or drink anything other than water.
- Brush for at least two minutes to ensure you reach all of the planes of your mouth.
- Use fluoride to strengthen your teeth and protect against tooth decay.
- If you haven’t already, try swapping your manual toothbrush for an electric toothbrush or smart toothbrush.
- You can add a tongue scraper to your daily routine.
Reconsider How You Eat and Drink
Is fitness already a part of your New Year’s resolutions? Getting fit has a lot to do with your diet, so many of these suggestions will improve more than your oral health.
- Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration and be wary of sports drinks.
- Eat plenty of apples, leafy greens, and celery because what you eat matters and some foods have extra benefits for your teeth.
- Try chewing gum or sucking on lozenges with Xylitol after meals to neutralize acids and fight bacteria.
Commit to Quit Tobacco
Tobacco-related illnesses are preventable. Though many discussions revolve around the effects on the respiratory system, tobacco use also has a massive impact on oral health. From stained teeth and a dulled sense of taste to gum disease and oral cancer, tobacco use is a factor in poor oral health.
If you currently use tobacco products and want to quit, 2020 could be your year. Make a plan and establish a good support. There are many free tools available to help you quit.
Straighten Your Teeth
While braces are often necessary for many reasons, it’s easy to put them off as an extra expense. However, braces are usually about more than straightening teeth and there are more choices than ever for affordable braces. If you’ve been rebuffing braces, commit to them this year and take steps toward improving your smile.
Don’t Skip Dental Check-ups
One of the best things you can do for your smile is to follow through with routine dental check-ups. When you see a dentist every six months, they can catch any problems early and treat them. You also get the benefit of a professional teeth cleaning that will surely have you smiling. If you’ve been lax in the past, this is the year to change!
Is it Time to Consider Cosmetic Options?
Perhaps you’ve been considering some cosmetic improvements to your smile. Stop procrastinating and resolve to explore your options this year.
Brighten Your Smile
Teeth whitening has come a long way and there are plenty of methods to choose from. You can try a whitening toothpaste, but you may want to explore professional whitening options for better results or problematic stains.
Correct Imperfections
Discolored, cracked, and odd-sized teeth can be corrected with dental veneers. If you’ve been feeling self-conscious about your smile and want to do something about it, dental veneers can cover those imperfections.
Replace Missing Teeth
Missing teeth can cause bite problems and impact your ability to eat, speak, and smile. Dental implants look, feel, and function like your real teeth and will give you confidence. It’s an excellent time to start the dental implant process and replace that missing tooth or teeth.
Commit to Better Oral Health in 2020
Texas has proven that dental care for adults doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. You should not be suffering with poor oral health when you live in the cheapest state for dental work.
If you’re ready to commit to improving your oral health in 2020, the professionals at Jefferson Dental Care are ready to help. Contact the office nearest you to get started on fulfilling your New Year’s resolution.
