If you brush your teeth at least twice a day, you are already well on the path to maintaining good oral health habits.
But how much exercise do you get each day? And are you eating your vegetables? While these questions may not seem related, they are more closely tied to your oral health than you think.
So, have a seat and get comfortable: it’s time for your oral health check-in.
When was the last time you bought a new toothbrush?
Think about the toothbrush in your bathroom right now and ask yourself how long it’s been since you started using it. If you can’t remember, it is probably time for a replacement.
Your toothbrush should be replaced every 3-4 months or immediately after a bout of illness to prevent infection. And while your dentist may make a recommendation based on your unique needs, there is one type of toothbrush that is generally recommended: the soft bristle with rounded tips. This is because soft bristles are much easier on your gums and the rounded tips offer a level of protection against abrasion that can happen during vigorous brushing.
Tip: Store your toothbrush in an upright position and out in the open to allow it to properly dry between uses.
How many crunchy or leafy vegetables are you eating per day?
If the idea of eating broccoli, carrots or spinach doesn’t exactly get you excited, you’re not alone. According to the Centers for Disease Control, 90% of Americans don't eat the recommended 2-3 cups of vegetables in their daily diet. This means your entire well-being is missing out on essential vitamins and nutrients, including your oral health.
Crunchy vegetables like carrots increase the production of saliva, which cleanses the mouth of food particles and bacteria, reducing the risk of cavities. Leafy greens like spinach are loaded with vitamins and nutrients that protect tooth enamel and fight gum disease.
Tip: You can learn more about oral health-friendly vegetables and how to turn them into yummy dishes in this article!
When did you last floss?
On the surface, flossing sounds like a hassle. Why should you floss when you’re already brushing your teeth? But here’s the truth: you do need to floss at least once per day because brushing your teeth is simply not enough.
If you only brush your teeth, you are cleaning just 70% of your tooth’s surface. That means another 30% of your mouth is going unchecked, which can allow harmful bacteria to grow and potentially cause more serious health problems down the line. So don’t skip this important step: here’s how to make sure your flossing game is in top form.
Tip: We hate to tell you this, but your dentist knows if you’ve only started flossing just hours before your scheduled cleaning. You’re not going to fool anyone, so you may as well start the healthy habit of flossing once a day.
Are you clenching your jaw right now?
When we’re stressed, our body takes on a multitude of symptoms: sweaty palms, upset stomach, headaches, you name it. But our oral health can also suffer from stress in the form of TMJ disorder, tooth grinding and even increased risk of gum disease.
But by finding ways of coping with and alleviating the tension within, a ripple effect will be triggered that will help reduce or even eliminate oral health-related stress symptoms. Try some stress reduction techniques or speak with your doctor or dentist about specific symptoms.
Tip: Take a pause to remind yourself to unclench your jaw and relax your shoulders. You may be carrying tension you didn’t know you had.
How much exercise do you get each day?
We all know exercise can improve our entire well-being. In fact, just 10 minutes of brisk walking can easily contribute to the 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week recommended by the Department of Health and Human Services. And while we associate exercise with things like our heart, lungs and weight loss, moving your body can also have a positive impact on your oral health.
A report published in the Journal of Dentistry revealed that regular exercise can decrease the likelihood of gum disease by as much as 54% among non-smokers. This is because exercising even for just 20 minutes generates a response that combats chronic inflammation, which is linked to gum disease.
Tip: Working in exercise isn’t as hard as it sounds: we have some great articles on the topic here and here. Just remember that you don’t have to run a marathon to stay healthy. All movement counts.
The bottom line: A healthy smile goes far beyond brushing your teeth. When you take care of your well-being in other ways, your oral health will benefit.