7 New Year’s resolutions your dentist wishes you’d make

1. Eat less sugar

This won’t only help with the waistline.

When it comes to dental health, it’s less about the amount of sugar consumed, more about how long that sugar stays in your mouth.

Sugar combines with your mouth’s natural bacteria an forms acids that wear away tooth enamel and cause cavities.

Which brings us to our next point…

2. Drink more water

Tap water, that is.

Drink tap water frequently, in place of bottled water where possible, for the added benefit of the fluoride.

3. Wash your mouth out

While you shouldn’t brush your teeth straight after eating or drinking (wait at least 30 minutes to avoid weakening tooth enamel), rinsing with or drinking tap water after sugary snacks is a good idea.

4. Make the most of it

Your insurance, that is.

Regular dentist visits are key to achieving a happier smile and healthier you; allowing for early detection and therefore treatment of any issues.

If you have private health insurance, some providers offer a free check-up and clean twice a year, so you should definitely take advantage of that.

If you don’t have private heath insurance, it’s still a small investment in your health that could save you a lot of pain and money further down the track, because when abnormalities or decay are caught early, treatment can be minimal and less invasive.

5. Treat yourself

To a new toothbrush.

Replace toothbrushes every three months.

When in doubt, look at the bristles. If they are frayed, they won’t clean teeth as thoroughly.

Because children often brush more rigorously than adults, they may need their toothbrushes replaced more often.

6. Smile more often

And make it a big toothy grin!

You should love your smile.

It’s unique. It’s part of your personality. It’s one of the first things people will notice about you.

Feeling self-conscious about your smile can really undermine your confidence and detract from the special moments in your life. For this reason, cosmetic dentistry can be a really positive and freeing experience for patients.