Your teeth and gums may not be at the top of your list when it comes to maintaining your health, but they should be. Did you know that the state of your mouth can actually be a good indicator of your overall health? And a beautiful smile can get you a long way in life. In other words, you should make your oral health a top priority. And here are a few effective ways to stay on track.
- Develop good cleaning habits. Your mantra where your cleaning regimen is concerned should be: Brush! Floss! Rinse! This is your main line of defense against the food and bacteria build-up that can lead to tartar, plaque, cavities, infections, gum disease, gingivitis, receding gum line, and even tooth loss. You’re ultimately the one who will have to live with the consequences of failing to properly care for your teeth and gums, so make sure to do all you can to keep them in ship shape.
- Watch what you eat...and drink. The foods and beverages you consume can play a major role in your oral health. If, for example, you have a lot of sugar in your diet in the way of candy, sodas, and such, you may quickly find yourself facing cavities and other oral health issues. These substances are just as appealing to bacteria as they are to your taste buds. And they also attack tooth enamel, as do foods that are acidic, that feature dyes or other staining agents, and so on. In fact, you’ll find that some of the worst offenders are beverages, including sodas, coffee, tea, and wine. So you might want to consider swapping out other drinks for water. The good news is that this will also help you stay hydrated, as well as supplement your mouth’s natural cleaning system: saliva.
- Add dairy to your diet. Okay, we’re actually talking about calcium, not dairy specifically, so if you happen to be lactose intolerant, fear not. Dairy products are one of the best sources for calcium in your diet. But you can also get it through supplements if milk, cheese, and yogurt don’t agree with you. And the reason calcium is good for your teeth is that it helps to promote bone health, keeping your chompers strong and protected. In addition, cheese has been found to help balance the pH in your mouth, combatting acidity that can damage tooth enamel. So make dairy part of your oral health regimen if you’re able.
- Give up bad habits. Some bad habits can have a major impact on your smile. Tobacco use (smoking, chewing, etc.) tends to be the worst culprit. It stains your teeth, dries out your mouth (creating a breeding ground for bacteria), and can even lead to a variety of cancers, including oral cancer. But you should always be aware of habits that aren’t as obviously harmful. If you have a penchant for chewing – on gum, ice, pen caps, or anything handy – now is the time to stop. This bad habit could lead to cosmetic issues like cracks and chips, along with more serious problems.
- See a dentist regularly. If you want the best shot to keep teeth healthy for life, you cannot avoid seeing the dentist for regular check-ups, cleanings, and additional maintenance. There’s only so much you can do on your own and then you need the professional assistance offered by embassy dental or your local service provider of choice.