2022 is here. At the beginning of each new year, people everywhere make resolutions. They want to set goals to improve theirs or their child’s lives in one way or another. Their resolutions may include working harder to keep in touch with friends and family, working out more often, or getting out of debt. No matter the resolution, the beginning of the year is a great time to give thought to how the next 12 months will be spent.

A worthwhile goal for 2022 is to improve your oral health. It is one of the best resolutions you can make. Not only will improving your oral health give you a more attractive smile and a boost of self-confidence, but it can improve your overall health. Many people are surprised to learn about the way that poor oral health can negatively affect their entire body.

Two simple resolutions that you can make in 2022 are to stick with a good routine of brushing and flossing twice a day to have healthy gums and teeth, and to visit your dentist at least twice a year.

Brushing and flossing are the best defense that we have to fight the bad bacteria in our mouths. If we neglect our oral health, our mouths can be overrun with bad bacteria. This can lead to gum disease, oral infections, and tooth decay.

Consider how periodontitis can negatively affect your oral health and overall health. It is a severe form of gum disease. When gum disease is left untreated, it can cause a receding gum line, tooth decay, bad breath, tooth loss, and a wide variety of other problems. Since gum disease is associated with inflammation, it plays a role in other diseases. For example, there is a connection between poor oral health and endocarditis and cardiovascular disease.

There is also a link between periodontitis and premature birth and lower birth weight. For individuals who have HIV/AIDS or diabetes, there is a high risk of experiencing severe oral health problems because the body is dealing with a lower resistance when fighting infection. Other conditions that are linked to poor oral health include neck and head cancers, eating disorders, and rheumatoid arthritis.

Set These Goals in 2022

By making the resolution to improve your oral health and sticking to it, you can completely alter not only your oral health but your overall health in many beneficial ways.

Make sure you brush and floss at least twice a day. This will lower the amount of bad bacteria in your mouth and prevent gum disease. Schedule at least two visits with your dentist this year. Make sure you go to these appointments.

There are other beneficial things you can do to improve your oral health. For example, limiting your carbohydrate snacking is an easy way to have a healthier smile. Improve your overall eating habits to have a healthy mouth and body.

The new year is a perfect time to quit smoking. Quitting smoking will help you have white teeth, it can lower your risk of oral and other forms of cancer, and it can help you have good breath.

View sticking to your resolutions as a simple investment that will provide large returns. You can have a healthy and attractive smile in 2022. Contact us to learn more.