It’s time for a fresh start.

The new year is all about a fresh start. You get that new calendar out, and it’s as though you were gifted a clean slate. It’s time for your family to participate in their annual traditions, whether it is eating some black-eyed peas or avoiding laundry on the first of January. And it’s time for you to get out that list of New Year’s resolutions.

It’s time to start that workout routine you’ve been putting off, eat healthier, and maybe even cut out caffeine or sugar. Or perhaps your resolution is to save a little money, or simply take the time for some self-care! Whatever you choose as your New Year’s resolution, it more than likely is meant to make you feel better about yourself.

With the new year around the corner, it’s time to create a positive change in your own life. Creating a plan that’s both sustainable and attainable might not be as difficult as you might think. Remember that even something small can make a world of difference in your life. Even something as small as addressing your smile can do wonders for your self-confidence. So why not start there?

1. Commit to consistent oral care.

Life can get crazy sometimes. The kids seem to have practices every night, dinner is made at the last minute, and your job takes everything out of you. We’ve all been there! Even with all of the day-to-day chaos, don’t forget to take care of your teeth. Keep brushing them twice a day, flossing at least once a day. Whether you do this with your children or alone, just keeping up with these little things can drastically decrease your chances of tooth decay or gum disease.

2. Embrace a balanced diet for dental wellness.

We know that what we put into our mouths fuels our body and mind, shaping our lives. And yes, that even includes our teeth. Sure, sugary foods can be tasty, and are often much easier to grab while on the go. But it’s important to enjoy these things in moderation. You might be surprised what that change could do to your life! Sugary foods and drinks eat away at the enamel, quickly causing tooth decay. Whenever possible, try to reach for some tooth-friendly options instead. 

You can even get the kids involved to help them get excited about trying new healthy foods or making different dishes with familiar ones. Try sheet-pan chicken fajitas or fruit rice paper rolls—whatever gets their imaginations (and their appetites) going.

3. Don’t skip dental check-ups and cleanings.

Think of us here at Dallas Cosmetic Dental as the superheroes for your teeth, ready to tackle any problem before they have a chance to get out of hand. The thing is, we can’t do that if you don’t come see us! So be sure to keep those dental check-ups every six months. That way, we can keep an eye out for anything that needs to be addressed, or even prevent it from happening altogether. A dental checkup is not just a cleaning—we actively assess your mouth for potential future problems, such as gum disease and oral cancer, which saves you time, hassle, and  money in the future.

4. Kick bad habits to the curb.

Everyone has a bad habit they’d like to get rid of. Some people drink enough coffee to stay awake for days, some smoke. Some people tend to drive just a wee bit too fast on the highway, some people crave their sugar fix. All habits affect our lives, and many of them affect even our teeth. Wine, dark soda, and even coffee tend to stain our teeth. Tobacco products contribute to tooth decay. And sugar meets up with our mouth’s natural bacteria and creates an acid. This acid then goes to work on the enamel of our teeth.

Over time, all of these habits can cause problems. Maybe tackling just one habit could change your life.

5. Enhance your smile’s appearance and your confidence.

If your smile is needing a little pick-me-up, you might consider cosmetic dentistry. There are more options out there than you might think, ranging from tooth whitening to orthodontics. For example, teeth naturally yellow with age, so why not get them lightened a few shades? You might be surprised how something so small can change your confidence for the better.

Even one change can make a difference.

No matter what New Year’s Resolution you create, you might be surprised how big of an impact it can have on your life. Whether you lighten your teeth a shade or two, or stop smoking, your teeth will shine brighter because of it. If you haven’t come in to see us in a while, don’t forget to make that appointment for a professional cleaning to start the new year out right!