Happy New Year from Cornerstone Family Dentistry! Exercise more, complain less—whatever your new years resolutions are for 2019, we hope you’ll consider our list of five healthy New Year’s dental resolutions that will help you prevent cavities and tooth decay this year.

1. Brush Your Teeth

You knew we would start with this one, right? Brushing your teeth at least twice a day is the best place to start for preventing cavities and tooth decay. Make sure to brush gently so you avoid gum damage, and strive to brush for two minutes each time. The most important times to brush are after meals and right before going to bed. If you’re concerned you’re not brushing the hard-to-reach teeth as thoroughly as you’d like, consider investing in a powered toothbrush. Don’t forget to give your tongue a quick brush, too, to help get rid of bad breath.

2. Floss Every Day

We know this isn’t the most enjoyable task, but it is incredibly important for your dental health and hygiene. Did you know that solely brushing your teeth will not get rid of all the plaque and bacteria that are on your teeth? In order to clean your teeth of all the cavity-causing germs that linger, it is essential that you add flossing to your regular bedtime routine. While it may feel laborious at first, it only takes a few minutes and we are confident it will begin to feel like just a normal part of your day.

3. Drink More Water

Did you know that drinking more water is not only better for your body, it’s also better for your teeth? Drinking water helps wash away some of the food particles from your teeth until you can brush them. In addition, water is also a good source of fluoride, which makes teeth stronger and helps prevent tooth decay. Conversely, alternatives to water are almost always bad for your teeth. Sugary drinks and sodas cause bacteria to grow on your teeth and wear away enamel, as well as cause cavities and unwanted staining.

4. Eat Healthy

This healthy dental New Year’s resolution may match your other New Year’s resolutions. Just like healthy food is good for weight loss, energy levels, and your overall health, it is also good for your dental hygiene. Similarly to sugary drinks, foods that are full of sugars, especially hard or chewy candy, wreak havoc on your teeth. Choosing healthy foods and avoiding sugary snacks will help prevent unwanted plaque to form on your teeth and as a result will help you avoid cavities and tooth decay.

5. Visit Your Dentist

It is important that you make an appointment with us twice a year so we can give your teeth a thorough cleaning and checkup. Our dental hygienists will give your teeth a good cleaning that will help remove stains and rid your mouth of hardened plaque around your teeth and gums. We will also be able to identify and eliminate cavities while they are still small and before they require something more serious such as a root canal.

Oral health care is important to us here at Cornerstone Family Dentistry.  Make an appointment with us today; we would love to help you have a healthy mouth and a beautiful smile in 2019!