It’s World Oral Health Day on 20^th March, so it’s the perfect time to think about the changes you need to make for a healthier smile. The good news is, you don’t to do anything drastic for a healthier smile. Small changes can make all the difference. Here are 5 resolutions you should make for world oral health day.

1. Brush your teeth twice each day for at least two minutes

This is simple but effective advice. Brush twice per day, making sure you reach all the surfaces of your teeth, and use a good fluoride toothpaste. This will get rid of any plaque or bacteria that builds up on the surface of your teeth throughout the day.

2. Reduce acidic foods in your diet

Acidic food and drinks like orange juice, red wine, and sugary sodas can erode your tooth enamel. The enamel protects your teeth from decay and once it erodes, you can’t get it back. If your tooth enamel wears away, this can lead to tooth sensitivity and decay. Reduce acidic foods and drinks in your diet wherever you can.

3. Visit your dentist regularly

If you do nothing else this world oral health day, make an appointment to see your dentist if it’s overdue. Life is busy and it’s easy to put a visit to the dentist way down your list of priorities. However, your dentist can spot problems like gum disease early before they’ve had the chance to have a serious impact on your oral and overall health.

They can also give you expert advice on how to get a healthy smile and let’s face it, the more often you go, the less chance there is of you needing more expensive treatment. If you let a problem go undetected, it may be more expensive and time-consuming to sort out.

4. Clean between teeth

Cleaning between teeth is the number one way to prevent tooth decay and gum disease. You may brush every day for two minutes, but the reality is, there are parts of your mouth your toothbrush can’t reach. These untouched areas of your mouth are where bacteria can grow and form the hardened plaque that leads to gum disease.

Clean in between your teeth with floss, interdental brushes, or a good tooth cleaner.

5. Eat healthier snacks

When you need a snack, what do you reach for? Do you head straight for the cookie jar? Sugar sticks to the teeth and causes plaque to form which leads to tooth decay. It’s far better for your teeth if you eat snacks like cheese or a handful of nuts which are low in sugar and not acidic.

So there you have it. Five resolutions you can make now for world oral health day. Small changes are manageable changes, so try making one change at a time. Then be proud of your healthier smile.

For more articles on oral health and the products you need for a healthier smile, check out the rest of our blog.