The new year is a time of new beginnings, a time when we decide that we’re going to clean up our act and do everything right now. Of course, this is easier said than done: a complete overhaul of our lives and habits is a big ask. For this reason, sometimes it’s best to avoid grandiose promises that you’re going to instantly become the Best Possible Version of Yourself and focus on a few manageable goals.
Looking after your teeth falls into this achievable latter category. Taking care of your mouth is something that a lot of us don’t pay enough attention to, and yet it’s a habit that pays dividends for your entire life.
Here are a few good tips for keeping your teeth healthy as we come into the new year.
1) Good Advice is a Dish Best Served Often
Whatever lifestyle changes you may be undertaking in the new year, it’s always best to check-up with a dental health professional. They’ll be able to give you detailed information on the best ways to look after your teeth.
While you’re at it, making sure that you see a dental health professional regularly is a great resolution. Finding a good local dentist is so helpful: for example, if you’re based in Valley Ridge just outside Calgary, you can book an appointment today at Valley Ridge Dental Centre. Keeping a trusted voice on call is a great habit to start in the new year and to carry on for a lifetime.
2) Trying Veganuary? Keep Up with the Calcium
A frequent concern for those adopting a plant-based diet is that cutting out dairy will lead to dental issues. This is because dairy products are rich in calcium, and calcium is important for healthy teeth.
Thankfully, there are many fruits and vegetables that are rich in calcium, as well as nuts and seeds. If you’re trying Veganuary to see how you find a vegan diet, be sure to research plant-based sources of calcium like tofu and tempeh to keep your teeth in good shape.
Another pro tip is to make sure you’re getting fat-soluble vitamins A, D, and K in addition to your calcium intake. These work together and should mean that you can look after your teeth while eating a vegan diet.
3) Dry January is a Good Starting Point
Alcoholic beverages are generally not very good for your teeth. A glass of wine here or there does no major harm. However, if you’re trying out Dry January to reduce your alcohol intake, it may motivate you to think of the good you’re doing your teeth.
In the long term, cutting down from a few drinks, a few times a week, to a glass or two on a Friday night will do your teeth a power of good. If you treat Dry January as a starting point and keep up the good work from there, your teeth will thank you as time goes by.
4) Watching the Waist? Watch the Whites
Just as with a vegan diet, if you’re planning to follow a fresh diet in the new year, make sure it doesn’t harm your teeth. In the world of diets, so much focus is on the body that the teeth are often overlooked. In reality, your teeth are affected by what you’re eating every bit as much as your waistline.
Conclusion
Books and websites advertising diets will tend to focus on their impact on your body. It’s worth searching the name of the diet (if it has one) and querying its impact on your teeth. Healthy living is at its best when it’s healthy for every part of you.