A new year brings an exciting, fresh start in many ways, not the least of which is the chance to decide what you want to accomplish this year. We joke about keeping resolutions, but we make them for a reason! A lot of our resolutions are about good habits we want to form – be it for better health, following a trend, looking good for a big event, or even just plain good sense. We may already be into the middle of January, but it’s not too late – grab a toothbrush and follow along: you can achieve better health, look good, and exercise good common sense all at the same time with these dental resolutions!

Brush!

Remember the 2:2 rule – brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time. That might seem like a lot, but spending a minute on top and a minute on bottom twice a day gives your brush bristles a chance to really scrub away the buildup of acids, leftover food, and plaque.

Floss!

Dentists suggest once a day, but it’s also a good idea to keep floss handy (at work or in your bag) to dislodge food stuck between your teeth before that next work meeting or coffee date. After eating foods that stick in your teeth (here’s looking at you, popcorn), it’s helpful to sneak in a quick floss.

Rinse!

With mouthwash, that is. Mouthwash leaves you feeling clean and minty fresh, but it accomplishes a lot more than the appreciation of your friends – it swishes out particles that you’ve dislodged through brushing and flossing, but can too easily settle back into those nooks and crannies without a good rinse. An antiseptic mouthwash that also contains fluoride fights bacteria, tooth decay, and cavities.

“Chew”se wisely!

Some foods and drinks are toxic for your teeth, as well as for your health. Sugary items like desserts and sodas create a buildup of bacteria in your mouth and often lead to cavities and tooth decay. You should also be aware that chewing hard items (i.e., ice, popcorn kernels, or chewing on pens or paperclips) can weaken or break your teeth. On the positive side, regularly drinking water helps flush bacteria from your mouth, as well as improving your overall health. Check off two resolutions at once!

Set that appointment!

Regular dental visits are a must to keep your teeth and gums in optimal health. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends scheduling dental check-ups every six months to deep-clean plaque, prevent cavities, and keep your pearly whites in great shape.

And hey, if you brushed the whole time you read that, you’re off to a great start! Keep it up to give your fresh-feeling mouth a great, successful year.