There are many ways to improve your overall dental health. Some of them include brushing your teeth twice a day, limiting the amount of sugar and acidic foods you consume, and limiting the amount of stress you experience.
Brushing twice a day
The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends brushing your teeth twice a day to improve your oral health. Brushing your teeth helps to remove plaque, food particles, and bacteria. Removing this debris can prevent gum disease, tooth decay, and bad breath.
Oral health is very important to your overall well-being. It's connected to other major health problems like diabetes, heart disease, and osteoporosis.
Your dentist can help you avoid some of these health complications by performing periodic cleanings. They can also see early signs of tooth and gum problems.
Some studies have linked the presence of bacteria on the teeth with respiratory conditions, cancers, and even HIV/AIDS. These bacteria can wreak havoc on your oral health if they are left unchecked.
Plaque is a filmy substance that is sticky and can clog the teeth. It contains bacteria that eat away at the enamel on your teeth. If left to harden, the plaque can form tartar. Tartar can make your teeth look dull. Check out here to know more about dental health.
Limiting sugar consumption
Excessive sugar intake is harmful to your overall health. It can contribute to weight gain, heart disease, and tooth decay. So, limiting your daily sugar consumption can improve your oral health and overall health.
Sugar-sweetened beverages are one of the main sources of free sugars in most countries. The American Heart Association recommends limiting their daily added sugar intake to less than nine teaspoons for adults and six teaspoons for children.
In addition, the World Health Organization (WHO) advises reducing intake to 5% of energy. However, more research is needed to determine what guidelines should be set for different populations.
Studies on the association between dental caries and sugar intake show that lowering the amount of sugar consumed can reduce the risk of developing this disease. For instance, 7 of 8 studies reported lower dental caries with lower sugar intake. These results have prompted the Food and Drug Administration to examine the long-term impact of sugar on your diet.
Limiting acidic foods
Limiting acidic foods is an essential aspect of maintaining dental health. Acidic foods have many negative impacts on your teeth and, in some cases, can even lead to permanent changes to your tooth enamel.
When limiting acidic foods, it is also important to remember to drink water regularly. Water is a natural way to help wash away the acid in your mouth, and it helps your salivary glands as well. Using a straw while drinking soda and other beverages can also reduce the amount of acid you consume.
It is not necessary to completely avoid acidic foods from your diet, but limiting your intake as much as possible is best. This can lead to better health and fewer problems.
Some of the most common foods high in acidity are meat, processed cereals, and dairy products. These items are a source of protein and essential vitamins. Other healthy choices include nuts, walnuts, and oats.
If you are trying to keep your diet as close to a balanced one as possible, try eating plenty of vegetables. Vegetables are rich in vitamins and minerals and are considered alkalizing foods.
Limiting stress
The stress of everyday life can have a negative impact on your teeth. Luckily, there are many things you can do to reduce your stress levels. If you feel overwhelmed, find a way to make time for relaxation. This can help you improve your health and maintain your dental health in the long run.
Stress can cause uneven wear on your teeth and can lead to jaw clenching and grinding. It can also weaken your immune system and increase your risk of tooth decay and gum disease. To help protect your smile, schedule an appointment with your dentist. Your dentist can advise you on how to handle stress in a healthy manner.
You can reduce stress through exercise and meditation. Also, you can use a mouth guard to lessen your jaw clenching and grinding. Over-the-counter pain relievers can also help.
You can also talk to your dentist to find out if you have Bruxism, which is a condition that causes jaw clenching and grinding. If you suspect you have this condition, your dentist can provide you with tips for reducing stress.
