If you’ve been looking to get healthier and save money, the start of a new year is the perfect opportunity. Not many people choose to base their New Year’s resolutions around their dental habits, but doing so can benefit your health and your wealth. After all, the best way to avoid needing expensive dental work is to prevent oral issues from ever occurring. With that said, these four resolutions from a dentist in Lincoln can give you a healthier smile and a fuller wallet in 2022!
1. See Your Dentist Twice This Year
You might be wondering how you can save money by visiting your dentist if your teeth feel fine. However, cavities and other dental problems often go unnoticed in their early stages. By the time they start hurting, they often need more invasive and pricier treatments. When you see your dentist for a checkup every six months, they can detect these issues early enough that treating them is easier and more cost-effective.
2. Add Flossing to Your Daily Routine
Many of us tell ourselves that we should start flossing, but we rarely get around to actually doing it. Once you get into the habit of flossing every day, you’ll wonder why you didn’t start it earlier. Not only does flossing freshen your breath and make your mouth feel cleaner, but it also prevents plaque from building up in the spaces between your teeth. This decreases your risk of gum disease and tooth decay.
3. Snack Smarter
Whatever food you eat, the bacteria in your mouth also eat. Some of these bacteria contribute to cavities and gum infections, and sugary foods make it easier for them to wreak havoc on your oral health. If you cut back on sugar and eat mouth-healthy fruits and vegetables instead, your smile – and your overall health – will thank you!
4. Quit Smoking
It’s no secret that smoking (or any kind of tobacco use) is bad for you. In addition to staining your teeth, smoking can make you more likely to develop gum disease, oral cancer, and a whole host of health problems throughout your body. Kicking the habit can only have positive outcomes. If you’ve had trouble quitting in the past, be sure to ask your dentist for help. They’ll be more than happy to point you toward the resources that can help you quit smoking once and for all.
Any one of these New Year’s resolutions can benefit your smile and your bank account, but by sticking to all four of them, you can make 2022 your healthiest and wealthiest year yet!
About the Author
Since earning his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry in 1999, Dr. Louis Olberding has completed advanced training in multiple areas of dentistry. He’s able to offer a comprehensive menu of services at Olberding Dental, but he’d rather help his patients avoid needing them in the first place! For personalized advice on maintaining a healthy smile in 2022 and beyond, you can reach out to Dr. Olberding’s practice via his website or by calling 402-488-2325.