January is here again, and it’s time to make New Year’s resolutions. While many of these goals can benefit you in obvious ways, there are also more subtle effects that they might have on your health. Here’s how a number of common New Year’s resolutions can improve your oral health.

Stop Smoking

Many smokers choose to use the New Year as an opportunity to quit. Everyone knows that quitting smoking is good for your lungs; but did you know that giving up tobacco can also make your gums and teeth healthier? More than half of all cases of gum disease are caused by smoking, which can lead to inflammation, bleeding, tissue damage, and even tooth loss. If you quit this January, then you can decrease your need to visit a periodontist in Fairfax, VA.

Eat Better

One of the most popular New Year’s resolutions is to eat healthier or reduce sugar intake. This is usually good for your waistline and overall health, but it can particularly help your mouth. Sugar is one of the leading causes of tooth decay, since the bacteria in your mouth that cause cavities like to feed off of it. By reducing your intake of soda, candy, and other sugary treats, you can improve the health of your teeth and gums.

Drink Less

Another common resolution is to give up or cut back on alcohol. This is good for your mouth too, since most alcoholic drinks contain a high proportion of sugars and acids that might harm your teeth. In addition, alcohol use often coincides with tobacco consumption, and cutting back on one can help you cut back on the other.

Brush More

Finally, one of the best resolutions you can make it to take better care of your mouth. In this case, it’s not hard to see how this can improve your oral health. If you resolve to floss more, brush better, or get regular dental checkups, then your mouth will be in much better condition this coming year. To learn more about ways to keep your teeth and gums healthy, contact a periodontist in Fairfax, VA—call 703-997-5748 for an appointment with Dr. J. Alexander Withers.