The New Year is only a few days away! Are you still trying to come up with a New Year’s Resolution? Not to worry! We have an idea for you.
Oral health is a major component of overall health and wellness. In many instances, our oral health directly correlates to the rest of our bodies. According to the Mayo Clinic, poor oral health may be linked to several health conditions including heart disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, and more.
How about make a resolution to improve your oral health? We have some tips for you, and they’ll certainly pay off in helping you achieve a healthier and brighter smile in the new year. Your body will thank you for it too!
Eat Plenty of Fruits and Vegetables
Eating well helps your entire immune system. By eating plenty of antioxidants and nutrients found in fruits and vegetables, your body is strong in it’s fight against bacteria and inflammation. In turn, this helps to protect your teeth and gums. Crisp, raw fruits and vegetables are also high in fiber which helps to remove plaque from teeth by increasing saliva production and helping to naturally “brush” them.
Drink Plenty of Fluoridated Water
Drinking water benefits your health in many ways including your oral health. Water cleans your mouth with every sip by washing away food and residue. It also helps fight dry mouth. Saliva is one of your mouth’s best defenses against tooth decay as it dilutes the acids produced by the bacteria in your mouth. The fluoride in water makes your teeth more resistant to these bacteria and acids.
Limit Your Alcohol Intake
You likely know that too much alcohol intake is not good for your health. It’s also not good for your oral health. Studies show that those who consume excessive alcohol often suffer from increased gum recession.
Quit Smoking or Using Other Tobacco Products
There are many health risks that go along with using tobacco products. Using tobacco also takes its toll on your oral health. Tobacco use leads to an increased risk of tooth discoloration, cavities, gum recession, and oral cancer. Additionally, smokers are twice as likely to suffer from tooth loss than non-smokers.
Brush and Floss Regularly
This one seems obvious, but it is no less important. Brushing and flossing protect your teeth and gums from decay and disease. Without proper brushing and flossing, decay and disease can wreak havoc on your mouth leading to additional health problems.
Chew Sugarless Gum
Chewing sugarless gum that contains the natural sweetener Xylitol following meals, or at times when you are unable to brush helps to prevent tooth decay. Xylitol has been shown to reduce the amount of cavity causing bacteria in plaque.
See Your Dentist Regularly
Your dentist knows what’s best when it comes to keeping your mouth healthy. In addition to addressing any pressing issues, your dentist will also screen and work with you to prevent further oral health issues. Minimally, you should visit your dentist twice a year.
The new year is a great time to get these appointments on your calendar. Schedule your next visit today!
Oral Health and Mental Health Go Hand in Hand
We know that oral health is often connected to many other aspects of your physical health. It only makes sense then, that there too is a relationship between your oral health and mental health, or state of well-being.
If you are suffering from mental health challenges, your teeth may be taking a toll.
Studies have shown a link between gum disease and conditions such as stress, anxiety, and depression.
Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey showed almost two-thirds of people with depression reported having a toothache in the last year. The same survey showed that half of all people with depression would say their teeth are in fair or poor condition.
Why is this?
Anxiety and depression can cause side effects that may damage your teeth and gums. These challenges may cause you to self-medicate with smoking or eating. You may be suffering from oral side effects such as teeth grinding and jaw clenching (bruxism). You may also be more susceptible to canker sores.
Both anxiety and depression cause your body to produce a hormone called cortisol. When cortisol levels increase in the body, your immune system becomes weaker. A weaker immune system leaves your mouth more vulnerable to conditions like gum inflammation (gingivitis) and gum disease (periodontitis).
Medication prescribed to provide relief from anxiety or depression can also create a side effect that can contribute to oral health conditions. It is not uncommon for these medications to cause dry mouth. Lack of saliva means that your mouth isn’t cleaning itself as readily, by washing away food debris, bacteria, and plaque. This makes your teeth a prime target for cavities.
Making matters worse.
If you are feeling anxious or depressed, you may be avoiding regular dental checks or fail to maintain proper oral hygiene. Both, important factors in maintaining a bright and healthy smile.
If you neglect maintaining your oral health this could make matters worse for your mental health. You could end up in pain, or maybe you’ll feel embarrassed about the appearance of your teeth. This could lead you to avoid people or smiling altogether. Smiling is good for us plays a huge role in our well-being.
Dr. Pumphrey can help.
If the oral health effects of anxiety and/or depression are contributing to your lack of well-being, there is good news. There are ways to fight back! The first step is to make sure you are brushing and flossing your teeth twice daily. These very basic habits really go a long way in maintenance of your oral health.
However, you made need more intensive work. If this is the case, Dr. Pumphrey would love to discuss with you how he can help you feel better by helping you look better. We offer a free, simple, low stress virtual consult or you may also give our office a call. We look forward to being a part of helping you maintain a state of well-being.