Having a great smile is important for your self-confidence and quality of life. But a healthy mouth can benefit your health in several ways, reducing your risk of heart disease, Alzheimer’s, lung infections, and so much more.
Commit to improving your health this year with these tips for a healthy mouth.
Drink More Water
Drinking soda and coffee can stain your teeth and eat away at enamel. Cutting back on soda will improve your health in a number of ways, but drinking more water to replace it is even more beneficial. Drinking water helps keep your mouth clean and washes your teeth. Getting plenty of water is also great for preventing gum disease. Help avoid tooth decay, cavities, and other problems by drinking more water this year.
Snacking for Your Health
That’s right, snacking can be good for your health, if you snack on the right foods. Chewing on firm, crunchy vegetables can strengthen your teeth. The texture of raw apples, carrots, celery, and cucumbers can work to scrub your teeth and help clear food particles. In addition to the healthy nutrients these foods provide, snacking on raw fruits and vegetables can sate your appetite and calm cravings for unhealthy sugary snacks.
Schedule Time for Health
Sure, everyone is busy these days, and it can be tempting to squeeze that dental check-up or dental cleaning off your calendar. Investing a little time in your health now can pay great dividends down the road. Regular dental check-ups and cleanings are a great way to catch problems such as tooth decay, gum disease, even cancer early enough to treat in an easier and more affordable manner.
Brush and Floss Well
The new year is a great time to start new habits. The benefits of flossing regularly are well known, but most of us don’t practice flossing nearly enough. Setting an alarm on your phone to remind you to floss is a good way to begin to develop a good habit. Likewise, replacing toothbrushes regularly is a habit most of us don’t practice well enough. Mark your calendar and plan to regularly replace your worn-out toothbrush for better dental health.
Having a healthier mouth doesn’t require drastic changes, just a commitment to doing a few small things that easily become good habits over time. Start today to practice the healthy habits that can make a big difference in your dental health.
The information and content on our website should not be used as a substitute for medical treatment or advice from your doctor.
