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?
Take a moment to look at the toothbrush resting in your bathroom. Can you remember how long it's been there? If the answer is a blur, it might be time for an upgrade.
Experts recommend swapping out your toothbrush every 3-4 months or immediately after recovering from an illness to minimize the risk of reinfection. While your dentist may provide tailored advice, many suggest using a soft-bristled toothbrush with rounded tips. These softer bristles are easier on your gums, and the rounded tips help prevent any abrasions that can occur if you brush too hard.
Pro tip: Store your toothbrush upright and in a spot where it can breathe. This will help it dry out properly between uses, keeping it fresh and clean.
How many crunchy or leafy vegetables are you eating per day?
If the idea of chowing down on broccoli, carrots, or spinach doesn’t exactly set your taste buds tingling, you’re definitely not alone in that sentiment. Recent reports from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Economic Research Service reveal a concerning trend: around 90 percent of individuals fail to meet the vegetable intake recommended by dietary guidelines, and a striking 80 percent do not consume enough fruit. This veggie gap means that our overall health, including the health of our teeth, is missing out on vital vitamins and nutrients—like a pizza without the cheese, it just isn’t complete!
Crunchy vegetables like carrots not only make for a satisfying snack but also help boost saliva production, which acts as a natural rinse to wash away food particles and bacteria. Leafy greens, particularly spinach, are packed with essential vitamins and nutrients that not only safeguard tooth enamel but also help combat gum disease, making them a true superhero for your smile.
So, let’s not “leaf” out these greens from our plates! Discover more about the vegetables that promote oral health and learn how to transform them into mouthwatering dishes in this article. After all, when it comes to eating your veggies, you don't want to be left in the "roots" of poor health!
When did you last floss?
At first glance, you might think flossing is just another chore in your dental routine. After all, if you’re already brushing your teeth, why bother with flossing? The truth is, incorporating flossing into your daily habits is crucial, and here's why: brushing alone simply doesn’t cut it.
When you brush, you’re only tackling about 70% of your tooth's surface. That leaves a significant 30% of your mouth vulnerable to harmful bacteria, which can lead to serious health issues down the line. So, don’t underestimate the power of flossing! Here’s how to elevate your flossing game.
Quick Tip: Your dentist can easily tell if you’ve just picked up the floss for the first time right before your appointment. There’s no fooling them! To truly benefit your oral health, make daily flossing a non-negotiable part of your routine.
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?
Exercise is often celebrated for its benefits to our physical health, but did you know it also plays a vital role in maintaining our oral health? It’s true! Just a quick 10-minute brisk walk can help you chip away at the recommended 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week, as advised by the Department of Health and Human Services. While we usually think of exercise in terms of heart health, lung capacity, and weight loss, its impact on our oral well-being is equally noteworthy.
A fascinating study shows that regular physical activity can lower the risk of gum disease by an impressive 54% for non-smokers. This protective effect comes from the fact that even a brief 20 minutes of exercise can kickstart a response in your body that helps fight chronic inflammation, a key player in gum disease.
So, how can you easily incorporate more movement into your life? It’s simpler than you might think! Remember, you don’t have to train for a marathon to reap the benefits—every little bit of activity counts!
The key takeaway: Maintaining a healthy smile involves much more than just brushing your teeth. By prioritizing your overall well-being, you can greatly enhance your oral health.