2015 has arrived and many of us have new aspirations such as getting fit and healthy or losing weight and embarking on new challenges.
Here are 5 New Year tips that can have a significant impact on your dental health:
Eat more fruit and vegetables
Poor nutrition can affect your immune system, increasing your chances of common oral dental disorders such as gum disease. Antioxidants and other nutrients found in fruits, vegetables and nuts can help improve your body’s ability to fight bacteria and inflammation, also protecting your teeth and gums. Apples and raw vegetables like carrots and celery can also help to clean plaque from your teeth and freshen up your breath.
Kick the habit and give up smoking
Start the New Year by kicking the habit and giving up smoking. Tobacco can harm your mouth in a number of ways, increasing your risk for tooth discoloration, cavities, gum recession, gum disease and throat, lung and oral cancer. Smokers are about twice as likely to lose their teeth as non-smokers. For those of you who think that it’s too late as the damage has already been done, there’s good news, because the risk of tooth loss decreases after you quit smoking.
Reduce your alcohol intake
It is no secret that excessive alcohol intake can have an effect on your overall health, but did you know that it may also affect your oral health? If you are looking to cut down or give up the booze what better time to do this than “Dry January”. You can join thousands of people in giving up alcohol for 30 days, the aim of this is to save money, lose weight and feel more healthy and energised. Of course this does not have to be restricted to January, as we are nearly at the end of the month, it is never too late to start!
Studies show that people who smoke, eat poorly and consume excessive alcohol have increased gum recession. Smokers who regularly consume alcohol are less likely to brush their teeth on a regular basis and are less concerned about their basic health than non-smokers.
Brush and floss twice a day
Make sure that you brush and floss twice a day as this process will help break up and remove plaque from between the teeth and along the gum line. Brushing alone isn’t enough as even the most expensive electric toothbrush can be guilty of missing plaque between the teeth. This is where periodontal disease often begins.
Visit your dental practice twice a year
You can help to prevent any dental health problems by visiting your dentist twice a year. Regular visits allow your dentist to monitor and detect any issues you may have including non-dental related problems such as mouth cancer, heart conditions or diabetes.
Are you due a dental appointment? Give us a call and start the New Year with a healthier smile on 0121 711 2424.
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