Believe it or not, it’s time to start thinking about your New Year’s resolutions. This year, try to include one that also benefits your oral health. After all, the health of your teeth and gums can play a major role in your overall health.

Here are some resolutions to help make your smile your healthiest yet.

Cut back on harmful habits.

Aim to cut back on the unhealthy habits you might have fallen into over the past year. This will make a positive impact on your overall and oral health.

1. Limit your sugar intake. 

To start the year off on the right foot, try cutting back on sugar. Too much sugar in your diet can lead to tooth decay. While it’s okay to enjoy a sugary treat every now and then, aim to replace some of your favorite unhealthy snacks with healthier options. For example, swap your favorite gum for sugar-free gum or xylitol gum. Chewing sugar-free gum after meals can boost your saliva flow and help prevent cavities. You can also try swapping soda for water with a splash of fruit juice.

2. Cut back on alcohol.

Aim to limit your alcohol consumption as many alcoholic drinks contain high levels of sugar and are highly acidic. The sugars and acids in these drinks can promote tooth decay. Additionally, alcohol can dehydrate you, which can further damage your oral health. Drinking water alongside alcoholic beverages can help prevent dehydration and wash away sugars and acids on your teeth. In addition, excessive drinking heightens your risk for oral cancer.

3. Quit smoking.

People who use tobacco are more likely to develop oral cancer. Smoking doubles your risk for gum disease, which can lead to tooth sensitivity and even tooth loss. If you do smoke, make the new year the year you quit.

Schedule a dentist appointment.

Life is bound to get busy after New Year’s, and like many tasks, scheduling a dentist appointment may slip farther and farther down your to-do list. Even if you think that your oral health is in good standing, preventive care is an important way to maintain it. If you wait too long, you may delay treatment on unknown cavities or other oral health problems which will require more complicated and costly treatment in the future.

Get ahead of your New Year’s resolutions and schedule a dentist appointment before the new year even begins. You can find an in-network dentist using our “Find a Provider” tool on the TruAssure website. Then, you can rest assured that you’ll get the treatment you need.

Find the dental plan that’s best for you.

You and your family members’ oral health needs may change in the coming year. If you or your child needs braces, for example, you may want to consider TruAssure’s Choice Plus plan. It covers braces for both children and adults.

No matter how your oral health needs change each year, it’s best be prepared for the unexpected with the right dental insurance. TruAssure’s Max Savings, Choice and Choice Plus plans for individuals and families have many other benefits that other carriers don’t, such as three cleanings per year, composite (white) fillings on all teeth and sealants for children under age 14.

Those with dental insurance are more likely to get the care they need by visiting the dentist more often than people without insurance. If you don’t have dental insurance through your employer, commit to finding an individual and family plan.

How will you commit to a healthier, brighter smile? Connect with TruAssure on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn to share your ideas for tooth-healthy New Year’s resolutions.