Have you planned out your New Year’s resolution yet? Whether it’s about signing up for a gym membership, dieting, or finally moving on from a heartbreak, writing down tasks you want to start the coming year with almost always involves the things you’d like to improve about yourself. Why not add something that would make your teeth and gums happy this time?

Here is some of the best dental advice you can add to your ever-increasing list for 2018.

• Buy a new toothbrush. Why not try celebrating the coming year with a new toothbrush? Experts from the American Dental Association (ADA) recommend changing your toothbrush every three to four months. Replace them sooner if the bristles are already frayed; worn bristles cannot clean your teeth thoroughly. There are a variety of manual and electric toothbrushes on the market that you can choose from.
• Brush your teeth at least twice a day. Brushing twice daily helps in removing bacterial plaque and contributes to bad breath prevention and healthier teeth. Dentists recommend brushing your teeth for at least two minutes. Use fluoridated toothpaste to help prevent cavities.
• Floss daily. Some people find flossing unnecessary, but it is actually important for good dental hygiene, aside from brushing. Flossing is used to remove plaque in the areas between your teeth, which cannot be reached by a toothbrush. It is better to floss your teeth before you brush them, since toothpaste could easily get into the spaces in between your teeth. Flossing and brushing should always come together for more satisfactory mouth cleaning. •
• Use mouthwash. Gum disease and cavities are caused by bacteria contained in plaque. Mouthwash could help get rid of these harmful bacteria and strengthen the teeth. •
• Consume less sugar. Our teeth are damaged by acids in the mouth that is produced by sugar from what we eat. If you are fond of drinking soft drinks, energy drinks, and other beverages as well as food that contain high sugar content, maybe it’s about time you cut down some of them from your diet to help prevent tooth decay. •
• Quit smoking. Tobacco usage causes dental disorders which range from stained teeth and bad breath to tooth loss and mouth cancer, and could bring diseases to the other parts of the body as well. If you’ve been planning to quit smoking for years, it is advisable that you carry out that plan now. Your body will thank you for it. •
• Pay your dentist a visit. Regular dental check-ups are important so that you could be aware of any existing oral problems that you might have. Visit your dentist every six months to be updated about the status of your dental health and to keep your mouth healthy.

Following the tips listed above is probably the best step that you can take to keep your smile shining for the rest of the coming year. Finding a dentist that could cater your needs and that of your family is an essential thing that you can work on at the moment. Tower Dental Arts, a dental care company with three state-of-the-art dental facilities located in Bonita Springs, Naples and Fort Myers, Florida, has a range of high-quality dental services and could greatly help you maintain a healthy oral hygiene all year round, through the expertise of Dr. Sonia Rocha. Give us a call today.