In your day-to-day habits, you brush your teeth, floss regularly, and avoid sugary foods. However, did you know there was even more you could do to ensure those pearly whites are in A1 condition? There are some well-known and lesser-known dental secrets that can change your dental profile. Plus, they make a difference in your overall health.
With new technologies and information, there is no reason you can’t have strong healthy teeth for your entire life. Baby boomers are the first generation to keep their teeth in their mouth and not on their nightstands. Upcoming generations are even more likely to make it to their senior years with a full set of teeth. Practicing good dental hygiene and embracing the points listed should ensure you decades of high-quality chomping and chewing.
Check out these eight habits to improve your dental health:
1. Stay hydrated
Drinking water is an important daily habit. Eight glasses a day for ultimate health, or so the experts say. This keeps your organs healthy and your skin glowing, but what does it have to do with teeth? Well, the bacteria that create cavities thrive in a dry-mouth situation. They get the moist atmosphere but without the saliva and its bug-blasting properties.
Staying hydrated will increase the saliva in your mouth, allowing it to remove and break down food particles, as well as providing a neutralizing effect on plaque and restoring tooth enamel.
2. Chewing sugar-free gum helps
For those times you can’t access your hydro flask or water bottle, try chewing a piece of sugarless gum. It is easy to keep in your gym bag or purse. Plus, gum has been proven to increase the flow of saliva and its tooth decay preventative properties.
3. Find a non-judgmental dentist office
If your dentist hasn’t gotten a new piece of equipment in a decade, they simply may not be keeping up the latest and greatest technology. Dentistry is nowhere near as painful as years past, and if you are experiencing regular pain or discomfort in your appointments, it might be time for a change.
Also, if you are canceling dentist appointments because you are afraid you will be given a lecture for not flossing regularly, it’s also time to switch. Go read online reviews and see what others have to say. Look for words like kind, thorough, and modern. Part of staying on top of your dental health means regular appointments, so it is utterly important to have a good relationship with your dentist.
4. Consider an implant
A missing tooth not only affects your ability to chew, but it also influences the other teeth in your mouth. A large gap can increase the likelihood of a chip or crack in surrounding teeth with an impact on the spacing. Even though a bridge or dentures might be less expensive, implants more naturally follow the flow of your own choppers. They don’t require any modifications to existing teeth, thus improving your overall dental health.
5. Supplement your diet with vitamins & minerals
In alphabetical order, you should be sure you are getting enough Vitamin A for saliva production; Vitamin C to prevent gingivitis (a gum disease), Vitamin D for bone density; and Vitamin K, which guards against bone loss.
Additionally, there are three minerals you should consider supplementing for optimal dental health. Calcium, phosphorous and potassium all work together to create overall bone, and therefore tooth health.
6. Lose weight
Believe it or not, being overweight can impact your dental health. There are numerous studies that show that having a lower BMI is directly related to lower incidences of periodontal disease. Inflammatory and immunity factors in overweight people can have a profound effect on their gum health. Losing weight is an effective way to increase both your physical well-being and your dental health.
7. Get insurance
There is no doubt that keeping the fangs well and healthy comes at a pretty good price. Many people, who don’t have insurance, put off having general dental maintenance. As a result, they find themselves with a big, expensive problem down the road.
If your employer doesn’t cover you, or if you are self-employed, consider taking out private insurance. Shelling out a small monthly fee is easier to budget than paying for an expensive emergency root canal or extraction.
8. Try not to stress
A stressful life can lead to a multitude of dental issues. Teeth grinding, nail biting, and stress-induced canker sores can all lead to a decline in your mouth’s health. Nail biting and teeth grinding can cause injury to your teeth by way of cracks, chips, and damage to fillings.
Canker sores create a painful condition in your mouth, making it hard to eat or drink. Try to get enough sleep and exercise and learn meditation and relaxation techniques. This will go a long way in improving stress levels in all areas of your life.
I’m a 20-something stay-at-home mother and wife. I have an amazing husband, a beautiful daughter, two loving dogs, and a lazy cat. I wouldn’t change my life for anything! I love to read, listen to music, cook and blog!
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