Looking to make a positive change in 2021? Then why not resolve to take better care of your smile?
We all make New Year’s resolutions. In fact, over 40% of Brits put exercise and losing weight at the top of their hit list each year – but less than half stick to that promise. This figure comes as no big surprise, turning over a new leaf can be difficult. Which is why it’s important to be realistic about what you want to achieve.
Oral health is often overlooked but taking proper care of your teeth can not only improve your overall health (did you know gum disease is associated with a risk of developing heart disease?), it can also help to make you look and feel great too!
Just a few simple changes in your regular routine could be all you need to shape up your dental health for 2021. And here the smile experts at Harley Street Smile Clinic, show you how…
Easy ways to enhance your oral health
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Start flossing
This is a great habit to get in to. Food and plaque easily become trapped in the small gaps between your teeth but, by flossing every day, you prevent this debris from building up. Not only does this help to fight against bad breath, it’s also important to maintain healthy gums.
If you find floss a bit fiddly, try using dental tape instead, which is thicker and can be easier to hold.
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Reduce your sugar intake
If you’ve also made a resolution to lose weight, then pay close attention to this one, as it works for both your teeth and your waistline!
There is an indisputable link between the amount of sugar you consume and your level of tooth decay. So cutting back can reduce the risk of dental problems considerably. Add to this the fact that reducing your sugar intake will also aid weight loss, enhance your complexion, and improve your overall health and it’s a win-win.
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Kick the habit
Are you a smoker? Smoking poses endless health risks – not least that it doubles your risk of gum disease and discolours your teeth.
New Year is a great time to try and give up the habit. If you’ve tried unsuccessfully before, don’t give up! Support and quitting aids are constantly evolving and improving – meaning that this time around you may find it much easier to stop. And don’t lose sight of the fact that every small step is a win – even just reducing the amount you smoke each day is positive step forward for your health.
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Eat wisely
Do you spend lots of time considering fat content and calories? Well, how about giving some thought to ‘mouth healthy’ foods?
We’ve already established that cutting back on sugar is great for your teeth but there are plenty of other diet tips you can introduce to enhance your oral health. Dairy products, which are high in calcium, are great for strengthening teeth and foods high in fibre stimulate saliva production, which plays an important role in scrubbing away plaque.
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Drink more water
Another ‘must’ for any resolution to live a healthier lifestyle. Water is the king of beverages for overall health and is especially important for oral health.
Ideally, you should aim to drink a glass after every meal as this will help to wash away some of the negative effects of sugary or acidic foods from the surface of your teeth. And, thanks to its purity, it will quench your thirst but won’t stain your teeth as other drinks do.
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Schedule in regular dental appointments
Ok, so this one is tricky at the moment. Coronavirus has put untold strain on our dental services with many clinics only able to offer emergency treatments for much of 2020 and most regular check-ups still currently on hold. Which is why, as soon as you can make an appointment, it’s essential to do so.
Don’t put things off any longer than necessary. A visit to your dentist can alert you to any potential problems, prevent plaque build-up and help to spot gum disease early. Ideally, you should aim to schedule in a dental check-up twice a year – once every six months.
Get your smile sorted
By following these few simple steps, you will start to see positive improvements in the appearance of your smile but why not kick start your commitment to oral health with a smile makeover?
Here at the Harley Street Smile Clinic, we are one of the UK’s most experienced cosmetic dentistry clinics, offering a wide range of treatments to perfect and enhance your smile.
Get in touch with the team today to find out more and discover what we could do for you.
