Bleeding gums, tooth decay, bad breath, and toothache — these are some common signs of poor dental hygiene and health. It’s your body’s way of begging you to make some lifestyle changes.
Here are six lifestyle changes that can ensure healthy teeth and gums:
1. Stay Hydrated
Hydration is the key to solving half of your body’s problems. This includes teeth and gum issues as well. Drink at least 6 to 8 glasses of water every day. Water helps rinse away food particles and foul-smelling bacteria. This will promote overall dental hygiene.
2. Quit Smoking
Smoking can have detrimental effects on your oral health. This includes:
- Plaque buildup
- Gum diseases
- Tooth loss
- Stained teeth
- Bad breath
- Oral cancer
Smoking reduces saliva production, which increases the risk of cavities. Moreover, smoking impedes the healing of teeth and gums after dental treatments. It is also one of the leading causes of oral cancer.
Quit smoking to save yourself from long-term oral issues. In addition to smoking, excessive alcohol usage can also cause dental health problems.
3. Brush and Floss Regularly
It might sound repetitive, but brushing and flossing are the best ways to keep oral issues at bay. Brush your teeth with a dioxibrite toothpaste every day twice a day. It has active chlorine dioxide that can help reduce plaque buildup and cavities.
Flossing does pretty much the same. It cleans your gums, keeping them healthy. Floss twice a day and not just before a dental appointment (your dentist can tell, trust me). You can also use an electric water flosser for maximum benefits.
Don’t forget your tongue. Use a tooth scraper to get rid of bacteria and germs.
4. Try to Decrease Stress Levels
We get it — it’s easier said than done. Nevertheless, try to reduce stress levels. High stress can lead to teeth and gum diseases, and other issues like teeth grinding.
Mediation and breathing exercises can reduce your stress levels, doing wonders for your oral health. If you do excessive teeth grinding, consult your dentist.
5. Ensure Regular Dental Checkups
There is no better way to take care of your oral health. Regular dental checkups help catch issues early on, saving you from long-term consequences.
For instance, bad breath is often caused by underlying issues, such as tonsillitis or inflammatory bowel disease. A dentist will assess your entire body, getting to the root of the problem.
Visit your dentist every six months if you don’t have any dental issues. However, if you’re prone to cavities or gum diseases, visit your dentist more frequently.
6. Limit Sugary Foods and Drinks
Hate to be the bearer of bad news, but sugary foods and drinks can have detrimental effects on your dental health.
Sugary foods provide a food source for the bacteria in your mouth. This helps them thrive, causing foul smell and other diseases. Moreover, the acid in sugary drinks weakens the enamel on your teeth.
While there is nothing wrong with that occasional cake slice, taking sugary foods frequently can cause long-term issues.