There are numerous ways to start, including simple daily habits to improve oral health. Many are quick and simple practices that take just a few minutes. As a successful and busy dental practice, we see firsthand the benefits of embracing simple habits. This article will cover eight areas to try and follow, outlining the oral advantages they will bring to your oral and overall health.
Brush Regularly
We have previously created an insights article that covers a guide to brushing your teeth properly. Brushing your teeth regularly, preferably twice a day (as recommended by the NHS), will significantly improve your oral well-being. It is a relatively simple practice, taking just a few minutes of your time. Some of the proven benefits include:
- Fresh-smelling breath.
- Reduced plaque buildup.
- Healthier gums.
- Cavity prevention.
- It feels good and fresh.
Reduce Sugary And Highly Acidic Foods
Sugary and acidic foods are often tasty and, unfortunately, consumed in abundance, causing many general and oral health issues. By cutting back on the quantity you consume, it can significantly improve your oral health. As dentists, we have a lot of experience with patients with tooth decay, erosion, and gum-related problems. By reducing your intake of these foods, you can experience the following positive effects:
- Reduced tooth decay.
- Improved, healthier gums.
- Less enamel erosion.
- Reduced need to see dentists.
- Improved general and oral health.
Replace Wornout Toothbrushes
The NHS recommends changing your toothbrush or head at least every three to four months. This period will depend upon the number of times you use the toothbrush daily, the pressure applied whilst cleaning and the quality of the bristles.
Using a toothbrush that is worn out can potentially cause the following issues:
- Less effective plaque removal.
- Bacteria build up on the brush head over time.
- Damage gums from bristles that are not correctly aligned.
- Less effective cleaning of the teeth due to worn-out and weakened bristles.
Regular Dental Visits
We have already written an article outlining the importance of regular dental visits, outlining all the associated benefits and why they are vital for oral well-being.
Stop Smoking
There are countless articles from the past decades outlining the adverse health effects caused by smoking. One of the areas that it hurts is your oral health. From the obvious, such as stained teeth and bad breath, to much more serious issues. Below are some oral-related benefits you can experience if you quit smoking.
- As stated above, your teeth will no longer be so discoloured by tar and nicotine. They will start to retain their natural look and feel.
- You are less likely to have oral-related cancers.
- Decreases the chances of gum disease from the bacterial plaque buildup caused by smoking.
- Fresher breath.
- You should recover more quickly from dental procedures due to improved circulation.
- You should also experience improved taste function after a while.
Eat Healthy Foods
A balanced diet has numerous health benefits, and many of the nutrients from these foods directly support the well-being of your gums and teeth. Some foods that are accredited with helping oral health include:
- Apples: Eating apples helps produce saliva and clean teeth. They are also known as 'nature's toothbrush'.
- Leafy Greens: They contain calcium and folic acid, which promote strong enamel and aid healthy gums.
- Almonds: Rich in calcium and protein that helps maintain healthy teeth.
- Strawberries: Contain antioxidants and natural teeth whitening due to the malic acids.
- Oranges: High in vitamin C, which is good for your gums.
- Green tea: Renowned for its anti-inflammation properties, it also helps reduce bacteria in your mouth.
Floss Nightly
Unfortunately, many of us neglect to floss our teeth. It is a simple yet highly effective means of improving oral health. As dentists, we can see firsthand the benefits of regular flossing. Some of the key benefits include:
- Removes debris and plaque from areas regular toothbrushes are unable to reach.
- It can reduce bad breath due to the removal of food items and bacteria.
- Research has shown that regular flossing helps to maintain healthy gums.
Use Teeth For Just Eating
We have lost count of patients who have damaged their teeth by using them as tools. Common causes include:
- Using teeth to open packages.
- Holding objects in your mouth.
- Biting ice or hard objects.
- Unwittingly chewing on jewellery.
- Sometimes, even opening bottle tops.
Often, this behaviour results in chips or cracks, enamel damage, or gum injuries that require dental work to repair.
Summary
Adopting some of the above habits will help improve oral health and prevent potential dental issues. This improves your overall health and can save you money by preventing avoidable dental procedures. The dental habits mentioned above are relatively simple to implement, and we have witnessed firsthand the benefits they can bring.