Everyone wants to spend the year in good health. That’s why many people make resolutions to eat healthier, drink more water, and exercise more frequently. But if you want to keep your smile as healthy as the rest of your body, there are some extra steps that should be taken, to make your next dental checkup a breeze, and to keep your smile looking its best and your breath smelling fresh. Here are just a few things you can resolve to do, in order to help keep both your teeth and gums in great shape this new year.

Is Flossing Really That Important?

In a word, yes. Flossing is an essential part of a great dental hygiene routine. That’s because brushing alone cannot eliminate the food particles and bacteria that are prone to rest between teeth. Flossing helps remove these items from between teeth, drastically reducing plaque buildup, which can help prevent dental problems like cavities and even gum disease.

So while twice daily brushing is important, it’s not enough to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Be sure to floss at least once a day, to keep your smile looking its best, and to more adequately prevent dental issues.

Why Is My Mouth Dry, and Does That Matter?

There are a number of causes of chronic dry mouth, including many prescription medications. Drinking too much caffeine or alcohol can also cause your mouth to feel dry. And unfortunately, this can lead to plaque buildup, which is known to cause cavities and other problems.

So, if you’ve been experiencing dry mouth, talk to your dentist at your next checkup. You may need to make adjustments to your dental care routine, for instance incorporating a special mouth rinse, or you could need to increase the amount of water you’re consuming, or the frequency of your hydration, in order to keep your mouth healthy.