This New Year, it is likely that you have begun thinking of new goals and resolutions to achieve. Whether you want to exercise more frequently, quit drinking or go on a diet, your focus would certainly be on self-improvement. That is why Union Hills Family Dentistry has also listed some resolutions regarding your dental health, which not only enhances your appearance, but also improves your overall health.

1. Stop Smoking. Of all the habits and vices a person can have, smoking is the worst. The behavior may start off innocently enough, but tobacco is a highly addictive substance and individuals can find themselves quickly hooked.  Filled with toxins and carcinogens, one stick can be a source of serious dental problems such as oral cancer, tooth decay and gum diseases. There are a myriad of ways to break the tobacco habit, however for some ‘cold turkey’ is the only way to go.
2. Stop Drinking Soda. While soda is a popular way to hydrate and refresh, sipping plain water is still the best choice for individuals who want to improve their dental health. Kicking the soda habit will immediately decrease the odds of developing excess dental plaque or tartar buildup as oral bacteria feast on the simple sugars left behind on the teeth of soda sippers.
3. Eat Plenty of Fruits and Vegetables. Antioxidants and other nutrients found in fruits, vegetables, legumes and nuts improve your body’s ability to fight bacteria and inflammation, helping to protect your teeth and gums. In addition, crisp fruits and raw vegetables like apples, carrots and celery help freshen up your breath and clean plaque from teeth.
4. Brush at Least Twice a Day and Floss at Least Once a Day. Both brushing and flossing are equally important for good oral health. Regular brushing and flossing can remove plaque from between teeth and below the gum line, where decay and gum disease often begins.
5. Get Preventative Dental Care. Any person who has set the goal of improving their dental health should kick off their commitment by getting to a dentist fast. Not only can preventative dentistry block issues from arising, it can also help you avoid spending on costly dental procedures later on.

For this New Year, resolve to treat your mouth right. Observing your diet, kicking bad habits and improving your oral hygiene routines will help you make 2015 a better, healthier year!