Are you starting any New Year’s resolutions this January? Now is a popular time of year to set weight loss goals and start new healthy eating habits. Everyone knows that if your body mass index (BMI) is too high, shedding a few pounds can help you look and feel your best. However, did you know that it can improve your smile too? Here are three healthy New Year’s resolutions you can commit to this year that will help you lose weight while simultaneously giving your smile a boost.
Cut Back on Sugar
You’re probably not surprised to see that cutting back on sugar is our number one recommendation for getting a healthier body and smile. Sugar feeds the plaque and bacteria in your mouth, which in turn creates cavity-causing acids and an increased risk of gum infections. The more often you eat sugary foods, the worse these issues can get, and eventually you may end up with serious problems like a dental infection or gum disease. These oral health issues can spread bacteria and inflammation to the rest of your body and cause serious systemic health conditions.
Cutting back on sugar can be a difficult undertaking, but the benefits are well worth the effort! Not only will you lose weight, reduce your risk of oral health problems and protect your overall health, but studies suggest that you’ll also notice an improvement in your mood, better energy levels, easier digestion and clearer skin!
Eat a Nutritious Diet
In place of all those sugary snacks and carbohydrates, try eating a variety of nutritious foods that can improve your oral and overall health. Low- and no-fat dairy products are brimming with calcium, which can help strengthen your teeth, jaw and bones. Raw fruits and veggies are always a good choice thanks to their garden variety of beneficial vitamins. However, these fibrous foods also gently scrub the surfaces of your teeth as you chew them, which lowers your risk of cavities.
Foods that are high in vitamin C are an excellent option as well. Citrus fruits like oranges and pineapples are well-known for containing this important nutrient. Unfortunately, the acidic nature of these fruits can damage your enamel if you overindulge, so try opting for other sources of vitamin C, such as bell peppers, strawberries and broccoli. These foods will all help boost your immune system and promote healthier gum tissue.
Drink More Water
According to the US National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, the ideal daily water intake is about 15.5 cups (3.7 liters) for men and 11.5 cups (2.7 liters) for women. Practically every system in your body needs water to operate properly, so it’s essential that we stay hydrated! Not only does drinking water help make you feel more energized and mentally focused, but it can help you lose weight as well. When you’re hungry, drinking a big glass of water can help satiate your cravings for a time without the calories.
Drinking water throughout the day can also dramatically lower your risk of tooth decay! Staying hydrated encourages saliva production, which helps your teeth absorb important minerals and washes away lingering bacteria and acids. What’s more, drinking water more often will help keep your mouth clean and free of any lingering particles that would otherwise cause cavities.
Losing weight is a long process that can feel discouraging at times. However, if you need extra motivation, remember that you’re also taking steps towards a happy, healthy and beautiful smile!
About the Practice
University Dental Group has been keeping the smiles of Worcester and the surrounding communities happy and healthy since 1980. We offer a wide array of oral healthcare services to help you overcome nearly any issue and achieve a beautiful smile. With flexible payment options, late and Saturday hours and a dental team who truly cares about your wellbeing, we go above and beyond to make every appointment as pleasant as possible. To learn more, we can be contacted via our website or at (508) 753-1911.