As we approach the new year, you’re probably trying to think of some resolutions you can make to have a wonderful 2023. At ZDental, we want to encourage you to make a resolution that will help you have healthier teeth and gums! While some resolutions require a lot of effort, taking better care of your oral health is relatively simple and can be incorporated into your daily routine. Here are four resolutions you can make to greatly improve the health of your teeth and gums in 2023:

Floss Once Per Day

A survey conducted by Delta Dental in 2019 estimated that as many as 20% of adults never floss, and 32% have not flossed in the past week. If you’re one of them, resolving to floss every day in 2023 will be a big step towards having a healthier mouth. Not only does flossing remove stubborn food particles from between your teeth, but it also removes bacteria from below the gum line that can contribute to gingivitis over time.

Reduce Consumption of Sweets

Speaking of bacteria, your mouth is home to a plethora of different microorganisms, some of which produce harmful by-products that eat away at tooth enamel. These bacteria thrive on sugar, so the more sweets you consume, the more their numbers will grow. Dead bacteria also collect between the teeth and around the gums, eventually becoming calcified tartar buildup that contributes to gum disease. By reducing your consumption of sugary foods and beverages, you can keep your mouth bacteria in check so they won’t become a problem for you in the future.

Brush Before Bed

Although the majority of Americans brush their teeth once every day, the 2014 Delta Dental survey estimated that 31% of adults do not brush twice a day as recommended by the American Dental Association. At ZDental, we tell our patients to brush twice every day, once after waking up, and again before bed. If you are part of that 31%, resolving to brush before bed every day will help you remove bacterial buildup that accumulates throughout the day so it won’t be able to harm your tooth enamel and gums overnight.

Schedule a Dental Checkup

Your dentist is your strongest ally in the fight against oral health conditions. If you want to improve your oral health in 2023, resolve to schedule two dental checkups 6 months apart throughout the year. If you haven’t had a dental checkup in the past 6 months or more, it’s especially important that you make an appointment right away. For those of you who live in Pennsylvania or New Jersey, ZDental has 5 locations in the area to serve you.

Visit our contact page to find a dental office in Bensalem or in nearby communities and call or schedule your appointment online today! 2023 can be the year you make a huge leap forward in your oral health; make a resolution to take better care of your mouth and you will see the benefits for many years to come!