We’re already a week into the New Year, and countless people worldwide are working hard on keeping their resolutions. Maybe you’re one of them. Perhaps you’ve resolved to lose those pesky pounds, get better organized, or learn to unwind and enjoy life a little more often. While all of those resolutions are good to keep, we at Foley Dental Group think that you need to include your teeth, gums, and oral health in your goals this year and every year.

Here are 5 easy resolutions you should keep this year for a brighter, healthier smile and a stronger body:

Improve and Maintain Oral Health Habits – Do you floss every day and brush twice a day? If so, keep up the excellent work! If you tend to do a bit less brushing and flossing, make this the year that you improve your oral health habits. Make sure to brush gently at a 45-degree angle toward the gumline and to move your toothbrush across your teeth to remove bacteria and plaque effectively. Replace your toothbrush every 3 months and also any time you’re sick with a cold or the flu.

Eat Plenty of Fruits and Veggies – Eating well isn’t just good for losing weight and getting lean. It’s also essential for a great smile! Poor nutrition can affect your entire immune system and can make you more susceptible to oral disorders and diseases. Give your body and teeth what they crave with antioxidants, vitamins, and nutrients that are found in fruits, veggies, nuts, and lean proteins. This will help your body fight off bacteria, infection, and inflammation and help protect your teeth. Additionally, crispy fruits and veggies like celery, peppers, and apples help clean plaque from your teeth!

Quit Smoking – Smoking does quit a number on the body, and the teeth are no exception. When you use tobacco, you are harming your mouth, increasing your risk for tooth discoloration, cavities, gum disease and recession, and cancer of the throat, mouth, and lungs. You are also twice as likely to lose your pearly whites than non-smokers. Do yourself a favor; if you are a smoker, make 2016 the year when you say “no” and quit smoking and using smokeless tobacco products.

Limit Alcohol – According to the Academy of General Dentistry, those who smoke, have a poor diet, and consume excessive amounts of alcohol have an increased chance of gum recession. If you typically go heavy on the drinking, resolve to scale back. It is recommended that men have no more than 2 drinks a day and women 1 drink a day to stay in the healthy range.

Visit Your Dentist More – If you typically shy away from the dentist, make it your mission this year to see your dentist at least once a year, if not twice. Routine visits may help prevent oral disease, can reveal an existing disease in its early stage, and keep your teeth and gums healthy and clean.

What resolutions did you make this year? Tell us in the comments below! If you want more oral health tips or if it’s time for your biannual cleaning, request an appointment with us by calling (618) 288-9670 or visiting us at www.foleydentalgroup.com!