This is the time of year for making New Year’s resolutions. Of course we could make resolutions any time of the year. So why make them at the beginning of the year? According to history the concept started with the ancient Babylonians. During a religious festival where they crowned or reaffirmed their King, they also made promises to the gods to pay their debts and return any objects they had borrowed. In ancient Rome the Romans offered sacrifices to the deity and made promises of good conduct for the coming year. The concept has moved forward in various ways throughout the centuries. Currently, the idea is to reflect on the past year and look to the future and what you want to change to make yourself better or live a better life.
Keeping Your Resolutions
It is a good thing to make resolutions, especially if it is to improve your health. However, surveys show far too many of us don’t keep them. It could be because it is something we are “hoping” to do rather than something we DO.
So here are some tips to start doing now to improve your health. You don’t even have to wait to make a resolution about them!
Brush: Ideally you should brush your teeth after each meal and snack. If this is not possible, minimally brush your teeth at least twice a day. This can do a lot for keeping cavities in check. Replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months or sooner if the bristles become frayed or irregular.
Floss: We cannot overemphasize the importance of flossing. Brushing alone will not get the food particles out from between your teeth. Make sure to floss at least once a day.
Drink lots of water: Drinking water is good for your health in general. It also helps to wash out the food particles, especially sugar after you have had a sugary treat.
Vitamin C and D: Vitamin C and D are two essential vitamins for healthy gums and strong teeth. You can take supplements but also there are foods you can eat high in these vitamins. Here are some foods high in Vitamin C: spinach, kale, parsley, broccoli, brussel sprouts, papayas, strawberries, oranges, kiwis, and lemons. Here are some foods high in Vitamin D: fish, egg yolks, cod liver oil, spinach, kale, okra, collards, soybeans and white beans.
Get Regular Cleanings and Checkups: Keep your 6 month cleanings and checkups. When you forget or skip your regular cleanings plaque builds up and becomes much more difficult to remove, leading to higher incidence of cavities, gum disease, and other dental problems. We’ll do our best to schedule an appointment to accommodate your schedule so you don’t miss any appointments.
In conclusion, by doing these simple tips each day, you’ll make them a habit. Once something becomes a positive habit, it’s much easier to maintain. And by getting in these habits, you will avoid the high costs that go along with extensive dental procedures in the future.
If you are not scheduled for your next 6-month cleaning and checkup, give us a call:
(916) 903-7644
Wishing you all the best for a prosperous and healthy New Year!