Spring is in the air which means that it’s time for that annual clear out. With this in mind and many of us thinking about taking up a new sport or looking to diet, now is the ideal time to take care of our oral health.
Here are some important spring dental care tips for patients in Solihull that will help you to achieve good oral health.
Swap your current drinks with water
Most drinks you buy in the supermarket are loaded with sugars which are not only full of empty calories but also a high sugar content that feeds bacteria housed in plaque on your teeth, which can result in acidic damage to your teeth.
Plaque and acid can cause damage to your teeth and gums, which is why it is much better to drink water, which keeps you hydrated, alert and flushes out any particles of food left in your mouth.
The Mayo clinic website recommends that you should drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day. Water flushes toxins out of vital organs, carries nutrients to your cells, and provides a moist environment for the ear, nose and throat tissues.
Lack of water can lead to dehydration, which can result in your body not functioning to as a high a level as it should. Even mild dehydration can drain your energy and make you tired.
Try some healthy immune boosting foods
It’s important to maintain a balanced healthy diet with plenty of fruit, vegetables and salads because they help your immune system stay in top shape and help to keep colds at bay.
Not only will you better protect yourself from illnesses and inflammation, but your teeth, mouth and gums will also be more resistant to bacteria and infections. Some great immune boosting foods include raw garlic, virgin coconut oil, fermented foods, fish and green leafy veggies.
Avoid processed sugars
There has been a lot of recent bad press coverage regarding sugar as it’s high in calories and can damage both your body and teeth.
Natural sugars found in fruit are ok as long as it’s in moderation but refined sugars found in confectionary, ice cream, cake, biscuits, breads and other processed food products can be harmful. Once on your teeth, sugars feed harmful bacteria resulting in a cocktail of bacteria and acid attacking your teeth and gums.
Limit snacking between meals
Too much snacking can become a nightmare for your teeth as every time you eat or drink, you’re at risk of plaque and acid attacking your enamel.
If you need to snack regularly for a diet or medical reasons, it’s a good idea to make sure that the snacks are healthy and you increase the steps for good oral hygiene.
If you would like to find out how you can brush up on your spring dental care tips call the practice on 0121 711 2424.