The holidays are a time of eating, and while this is part of what people love about them, these days are usually code words for bingeing of sweets and junk food. Enjoying ourselves during the holiday season can be great while it’s happening, but then January rolls around.

With the combination of winter weather, going back to work, and the consequences of weeks of snacking and feasting, it’s easy to feel bad about all you’ve been eating. One of the best ways to combat this feeling is to commit yourself to better dental health for the new year. There are many positive benefits that come from a healthy dental health routine, for your mind, body, and soul. Healthy dental habits can simply act as a springboard for all of the other things you want to do this year.

Good Dental Habits For Health

To keep your teeth, gums, and mouth in healthy condition, your dental habits should include:

  • Regular brushing (two minutes, twice a day) with a soft bristle brush and fluoride toothpaste
  • Flossing every day
  • Eat a well-balanced diet, with limited refined sugars
  • Be aware and check your mouth for signs of gum disease

The most obvious reason for maintaining good dental habits is the health of your teeth. While this may be a no-brainer, there are actually further positive health consequences that come from a commitment to dental health.

One of the primary benefits that results from paying attention to your dental health is that it inevitably leads you to pay more attention to the things that you’re eating. You become more closely acquainted with the way your teeth feel after you eat certain foods, for better or for worse. This feeling is easy to extend into more conscious diet choices, for both your body and your teeth. So simply committing to your dental health can have lasting, wide-ranging benefits for your health.

Good Dental Habits For Happiness

Building on the last point, one of the side effects of committing to your dental health is the improvements it can lead to regarding your happiness. There have been countless studies tying increases in health to improved happiness. Resolving to take better care of your teeth is no different. Additionally, keeping your dental health in order, through regular brushing, flossing, and cleanings at the dentist is the best way to keep your smile looking its best. A healthy, happy smile does wonders for your self-esteem, giving you the confidence you need to handle whatever life throws at you.

Good Dental Habits For Mindfulness

Mindfulness is an increasingly visible idea in our society. It is a similar focus on our mental health as so many people already have on their physical health and includes things like meditation and breathing practices. One of the main lessons of mindfulness is that positive habits encourage the development of other positive habits. Whether it’s a commitment to your health, happiness, career, family, or anything else in your life, you’ll notice that your efforts are rewarded in many ways, including being able to build on your personal growth. Good dental health is a simple and logical place to start growing.

If you are in need of any dentistry work, Plancich Dental is here to support you. Contact us today to see how we can help you get your dental health resolution off the ground!