6 New Year’s Resolutions for a Healthier Smile in 2024

With 2024 rapidly approaching, there’s no better time to assess your current habits and see where there is room for improvement. Your dental hygiene regimen is a great place to start! If you want to improve your oral health, then keep reading for six New Year’s resolutions for a healthier smile.

1. Floss Every Day

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, roughly 33% of Americans never floss. So, it’s not surprising that more than 90% of people in the U.S. have had a cavity by their 21^st birthday. If you have a habit of not completing this essential oral hygiene step daily, then there’s no time like the present to start!

2. Brush for a Full Two Minutes

Remember, wetting the bristles of your toothbrush with water and quickly scrubbing your teeth doesn’t count. In order to effectively remove food particles, plaque, and other debris, you need to use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoridated toothpaste to brush for a full two minutes each morning and evening.

3. Cut Back on Added Sugar

Since sugar is one of the leading causes of tooth decay, it’s a good idea to cut back on caramel candies, soda, ice cream, and the like in 2024. Instead, focus on adding foods to your diet that benefit your oral health, like plain yogurt, oatmeal, and scrambled eggs.

4. Quit Biting Your Nails

UCLA Health recently shared that upwards of 30% of people bite their nails. Unfortunately, this habit can create small cracks in your teeth and introduce countless bacteria to your digestive tract. To help prevent that from happening, make it a goal to quit this unhealthy dental habit in 2024.

5. Get a Checkup and Cleaning Twice a Year

Brushing, flossing, and rinsing with mouthwash consistently are all great habits. Even if you are diligent about each of these steps, however, you need to visit your dentist for a checkup and cleaning biannually. After all, tooth decay, gum disease, and oral cancer are just a few of the many dental problems that can fly under the radar without routine exams.  

6. Drink Eight Glasses of Water a Day

Drinking eight glasses of water a day won’t just keep you hydrated, it will also decrease your chances of experiencing dry mouth and help prevent food particles from clinging to your teeth! In short, while you can drink soda, coffee, and other beverages in moderation, it’s best to make water your go-to beverage in 2024.

About the Practice

Leading our team at Renu Dental is our exceptional dentist, Dr. Tiara Applequist. Before joining our team, she earned her dental doctorate at the University of Minnesota, and she’s been helping patients improve the look, health, and function of their smiles ever since! If you are overdue for your six-month checkup or you want to learn more about how to achieve your best smile in 2024, then visit our website or call (218) 281-1301.