2025 is here, and it’s your year to make small, incremental changes to your habits to help your oral health thrive. Whether it’s hitting a new flossing streak or investing in new oral hygiene products, these small, very doable changes could be the difference between you needing another cavity filling or not. Read on to learn five New Year’s resolutions you can make to benefit your smile in 2025.
Take Steps to Quit Tobacco
Tobacco can not only increase your risk of developing staining and yellowing teeth, but it can also lead to cavities, gum disease, and oral cancer. In fact, smokers have been shown to be about twice as likely to lose their teeth as those who don’t use tobacco products.
It’s no easy feat to quit tobacco, whether it’s smoking cigarettes, vaping, or chewing tobacco, but when you commit to making small, intentional changes that feel manageable to you every day, you’re taking the steps to better your health. Be sure to consult with your primary care doctor for helpful tips and guidance to begin your journey to quit tobacco use.
Brush & Floss Every Day
The American Dental Association as well as dentists everywhere recommend brushing twice a day for two minutes and flossing at least once a day. That’s because taking these steps has been shown to drastically increase your risk of tartar and plaque build-up, which also minimizes your risk of developing common oral health problems like cavities and gum disease.
Visit Your Dentist for Your Checkups & Cleanings
In addition to brushing twice a day and flossing daily, it’s also crucial to visit your dentist every six months for routine professional checkups and cleanings. During these visits, your dentist will conduct a thorough examination of your teeth and gums in search of any signs of lingering oral health problems, allowing for early treatment. Your dental hygienist will also be able to clear away tartar build-up in hard-to-reach areas of the mouth to keep problems like cavities at bay. Ultimately, keeping up with these visits will help you enjoy a healthier smile in 2025!
Invest in New Dental Products
Have you been using a manual toothbrush or regular dental floss for some time, but want a more effective method of cleaning your teeth? Try investing in some advanced dental products like an electric toothbrush or a water flosser. These instruments have been shown to be more efficient and effective when it comes to keeping tartar and plaque build-up to a minimum throughout the year.
About the Author
Dr. Cornelia Dadaciu has over two decades of experience as a dentist and loves educating patients about the best oral health practices. She stays up-to-date with the latest advancements and research in dentistry to always offer modern, top-tier care, whether that’s during checkups and cleanings or more advanced procedures like dental implants. To schedule an appointment, visit Delray Beach Smile Design’s website or call 561-404-4804.