Hey kids! This New Year’s you might be setting some goals for 2015. Maybe you want to do better in math class. Maybe you want to score a home run in softball. Maybe you just want to go out and make some new friends. While those are all great New Year’s resolutions, don’t forget to set some goals to protect your healthy teeth. If you already take great care of your teeth, keep up the good work! However, we bet there are a few things you can do to protect your smile in the New Year. Check out some of these suggestions for dental New Year’s resolutions.

Cleaning Your Teeth

Visiting the dentist is important. However, if you don’t take care of your teeth at home, even the best dentist in the world can’t save your smile. For better care at home, add one of these resolutions to your New Year’s list

1. Brush your teeth at least twice a day. It is especially important to brush after meals and before bed. You should also wait about 30 minutes after you eat. If you brush too soon, you will just rub food and other things into your teeth. Sometimes if you wait, you might forget. Set an alarm or ask one of your parents to help you remember.
2. Floss your teeth. You probably brush your teeth every day, but many kids do not always floss their teeth. You should floss at least once a day, usually before bed. If you don’t know how to floss, ask Mom or Dad for help. You can also ask your dentist to show you how.

Eating Right Can Give You Healthy Teeth

You probably aren’t allowed to have a lot of sugary foods. Candy, sodas, and other sugary things can really hurt your teeth. In fact, sugar is one of the main reasons that kids – and their parents – get cavities. You might not know that other foods can hurt your smile or make your healthy teeth stronger. To protect your smile, try changing what you eat or drink in 2015.

1. Drink lots of water. It is important to drink lots of water, especially during meals. Water can help wash food and harmful acid out of your mouth.
2. Eat lots of fruits and veggies. Fresh fruits and vegetables have important vitamins and minerals that can strengthen your healthy teeth. Some things, like apples and celery, have a special texture that can clean bacteria and other harmful things from your teeth.

ABOUT YOUR SOUTHLAKE FAMILY DENTISTS:

As a native Texan, Gregory Wright, DDS, opened his private practice in Southlake, TX in 1992. He and Dr. Victoria Heron are happily accepting new patients from Southlake, Grapevine, Keller, Trophy Club, Colleyville, and all surrounding communities. To learn more, call our office today at (817) 481-7999.