As the year 2022 comes to an end, we begin a new chapter in our lives. This necessitates goal planning for the next year, 2023, as well as developing new year’s resolutions that can improve your mental, physical, and emotional well-being. These resolutions might range from going to the gym to eating properly to seeking therapy to strengthen your inner mind. However, in doing so, people often forget to set goals that are directed toward improving their oral health, which is a key factor in determining the well-being of their physical form. In this article, we will explore the significance of establishing a solid set of dental habits as well as provide you with some useful tips to help enhance your hygiene routine.
Why should I focus on improving my oral health?
Our dentists are frequently questioned about the importance of putting your oral health first, and how it affects your everyday life.
Physical wellness is impossible without sound oral health. So in a pragmatic sense, we can note that your oral health is a window to your overall health.
One of the most pivotal reasons to have rigid oral hygiene is to protect oneself from the risk of gum disease (periodontitis). Case in point: according to a study conducted by the American Dental Association, about 40% of the population in the country has become unfortunate victims of periodontal diseases. This is due to the lack of management of the toxins or bacteria that invade your teeth and gums.
In other news, by establishing a smart dental hygiene routine, you can easily avoid or reduce the risk of heart disease.
Baffled by the connection between oral health and cardiac health? Let us enlighten you.
When the bacteria inside your teeth and gums are left untreated for a long time, they can mix with the blood that travels to your cardiovascular system. An accumulation of these bacterial deposits can transform into serious infections that attack the paramount chambers of your heart. Owing to this reason, you are by default exposed to a greater risk of strokes and heart attacks.
Similarly, the bacteria in the blood can also travel to your lungs and impose an array of lung-related health issues. Hence, the quality of your respiratory tract will be diminished to a detrimental level.
In addition to this, your blood sugar levels also play an important role in determining the health of your teeth and gums. If you have uncontrolled diabetes, the glucose levels in your saliva might rise over the normal level, exposing you to the danger of bacteria proliferating within your mouth. As a result of the same, you will be left to deal with a plethora of severe gum diseases, teeth infections, cavities, and a dry mouth.
Now that you are aware of the consequences of poor oral health, let us guide you through the various methods you can use to improve your dental health this year.
7 Tips to Improve your Dental Health This Year
Floss Daily
Irrespective of the type of floss you would use in your dental hygiene, our dentists strongly recommend flossing at least once every day. By flossing, you can easily remove the dirt and debris stuck between the crevices of your teeth. Consequently, with a low risk of bacteria spreading, you can readily prevent the risks of gum disease. In addition to this, flossing also reduces the scope of plaque building on the surface of your teeth.
To make your life simpler and to promote the notion of flossing, modern dentistry has created a number of flossers on the market, ranging from classic string floss to electrical water flossers.
So, let’s simplify your New Year’s resolution for the year 2023: make it a habit to floss your teeth at least once a day.
Strong Food=
Strong Teeth
Eat Healthy Food
Just as the equation illustrates, if you want to preserve your beautiful smile, then you will need to incorporate more greens into your diet. Let’s explain the science behind this notion.
Along with the gums, the bone in your teeth needs calcium to maintain its health. And where do you think calcium can be extracted?
The answer is food!
By incorporating calcium-rich foods into your diet, you can obtain better strength in your teeth and bones. This calcium component is usually contained in dairy products like milk or cheese. And if by chance you are a vegan, then don’t worry; we’ve got just the right solution for you. Veggies like beans and lentils act as great sources of calcium, too.
The key point to remember here is to stay away from sugary or acidic foods that attack your enamel and breed plaque or bacteria in your mouth.
Say no to Alcohol
Apart from causing trouble for your kidneys, alcohol can have a resounding impact on your dental health. In fact, alcoholic consumption can easily contribute to the emergence of bacteria and hasten its progression to tooth decay or cavities. However, while we are aware that you’d want to enjoy a glass of wine or other liquor occasionally, our dentists suggest you limit your alcohol intake by twofold.
Start the bright new year with healthy teeth, a healthy body, a better metabolism, and, of course, NO ALCOHOL!
Work out to gain stronger teeth
Confused? Let’s explain
We know that exercising is essential for attaining the “sound mind and sound body,” but it also plays an active role in promoting your oral well-being. To prove our point, let’s check out the findings furnished in the Journal of Dentistry. According to this study, researchers discovered that by exercising regularly for a set time during the week, respondents had a 54% lower risk of developing complex dental issues such as periodontitis.
To elucidate with more detail, when you embody an active lifestyle, exercising will reduce the number of toxins from generating in your body. Also, it decreases the creation of C-reactive proteins. As a result of diminished levels of C-reactive proteins and toxins, the inflammatory response system in your body will be able to function properly and steadily, thus protecting your gums from inflammation.
With these new year’s resolutions, you’re one step ahead of optimal dental health.
Brush at least twice a day
We know this sounds basic, but sometimes simple habits like brushing your teeth twice a day can have a huge impact on your current and future dental health. Although you may already be brushing your teeth twice a day, there are still many people out there who clean their teeth only once a day.
It’s frightening, but it’s true.
By practising weak oral hygiene, you put your teeth and gums through the throes of pain, complex dental treatments, and expensive procedures. So, make it a number one priority on your list of new year’s resolutions to brush your teeth at least twice a day and reduce the risk of plaque build-up, decay, and damage to your teeth.
Keep Yourself Hydrated
Hydration is a pivotal element that plays an important role in boosting your overall health, let alone your oral hygiene. However, We emphasise staying hydrated since it contributes significantly to keeping your dental health problems at bay. By drinking enough water, you are effectively keeping your mouth from drying out and lowering the occurrence of cavities or bad breath.
Drinking water does wonders for your physical form as well. So, make it your goal to become a healthy and hydrated person this new year.
Have Routine Dental Check-ups
As the age-old saying goes, “prevention is better than cure.” Hence, we encourage you to visit your local dentist regularly and get your teeth and gums checked. This is a healthy dental habit that will limit your exposure to risks caused by traumatic and expensive dental problems and treatments.
Moreover, your dentist or dental hygienist will provide more clarity on how to preserve your natural teeth and gums. Thus, along with using the right dental care products for your oral well-being, you will also need to participate in regular professional dental care, such as teeth cleaning or teeth whitening, at least twice a year.
Start the new year on the right foot. Just like decluttering your physical and mental space, to welcome a new year of positivity and change, you will also need to apply the same principle to your oral health.
Remember, good oral hygiene acts as an intersection point between your mind and body. Hence, you must proactively participate in exploring new ways to improve your oral health. With these tips, we are sure you will be able to embrace happiness and positivity through your healthy smiles.
Happy New Year!
