You have many reasons to keep your gums and teeth healthy – being able to chew food properly, having a sparkling smile, and avoiding the discomfort associated with a toothache and unhealthy gums. Dental problems can also impact your overall health. That’s why it’s important to be aware that certain lifestyle choices, including smoking, inadequate sleep, alcohol consumption, physical inactivity, nutritional imbalance, and other lifestyle choices, could impact your oral health.
If you live in Arizona, consider visiting a local dentist in Cottonwood, AZ, for an oral checkup and guidance on the right oral care tips. Here are some of the lifestyle changes you may want to make to keep your gums and teeth healthy.
1. Quit smoking and minimize alcohol intake
Your gums and teeth will forever be grateful if you quit smoking. This will protect you against oral cancer as well as other health complications. Besides, it will eliminate different effects associated with agents that neutralize tobacco smoke. For example, most people use candies, tea or coffee to mask the tobacco breath or odor. This is wrong as it redoubles the overall damage. The nicotine and tar in cigarettes can make your teeth appear yellowish and cause gum damage as well.
Additionally, tobacco creates a conducive environment for bacteria and plaque in your mouth. This can harm your gum tissue and degrade the bone that supports your teeth. This is the primary reason smokers are at a higher risk of having to get dental extractions for damaged teeth. Similarly, alcohol can cause dental issues indirectly as it keeps your mouth dehydrated. This is a perfect environment for bacteria. Besides, alcohol addicts are less likely to care about their teeth.
2. Consume more vitamins and calcium
Your teeth need a lot of calcium to be strong and white. You also need a lot of calcium to keep your bones healthy and strong. Regular appointments with a Dentist DTC or a similar professional would be useful in this regard, as they could instruct you on the best way to obtain calcium and these vitamins. This is why you should take the milk and consume other dairy products such as cheese and yogurt daily. Also, it’s best to eat broccoli and drink calcium-fortified orange juice.
Some dentists may recommend calcium supplements, but be sure to take the supplements according to your doctor’s instructions. Calcium and Vitamin D are crucial for strong, healthy teeth and gums. Similarly, Vitamin B-complex supplements may be necessary to protect your teeth and gums from cracking and bleeding. Magnesium copper. Zinc. Iodine. Potassium and iron are also essential for your oral health.
3. Eat a balanced diet and cut back your sugar intake
Dentists and nutritionists warn that a sugary diet might contribute significantly to cavities by promoting acidity, tooth decay, bacteria in your mouth, and gum disease. Bacteria generate acids and enzymes that can harm your enamel, gums, and teeth. It’s also a good idea to avoid sugary snacks and sweetened beverages. But still, if you consume sugary products too much, you might start to face problems with your teeth. For instance, tooth pain, bad odor, broken teeth, and sometimes bloody gums could be the symptoms of dental problems. The aforementioned issues are costly to treat and can sometimes result in medical complications. If you neglect your dental hygiene, you might need dental checkups from EastSide Family Dental Care or other dental care clinics in your area to get the issue treated asap.
Eating a balanced diet will ensure that your body gets all essential nutrients to keep your gums and teeth healthy. Some of the recommended foods include fish, cheese, fruits, eggs, leafy greens, vegetables, almonds, plain yoghurt, and more. Cut back on sugar intake.
Lastly, remember to brush your teeth twice a day and floss daily.
