When it comes to your overall health, whether it be your food, your oral health, or your level of fitness, it all boils down to habitual behavior, whether it be positive or negative.
Many people may have unhealthy behaviors, but they may not be aware that they might affect their dental health. I’ve thus put up a list of the top five unhealthy behaviors you should break and five healthy ones to replace them for the Oral Health Foundation.
Avoid snacking all day long!
There are many of us who have this habit. Instead of sitting down to eat a few healthy meals each day, you wind up eating a ton of snacks because you’re too busy rushing around like a crazy person trying to do all your errands for the day. They’re probably not all healthy either! Tooth decay can result from eating anything that contains sugar, such as biscuits or sweets, especially if you do it often.
Eating three meals a day is generally better for your general and oral health than snacking, but if you’re in the need for a fast snack in between meals, try to limit your intake to savory foods. Examples include breadsticks, cheese, and fresh veggies! Additionally, you should only nibble twice a day.
Chew sugar-free gum.
For those of you who are chronic snackers, this is for you. A fantastic method to keep your mouth occupied and distract yourself from unhealthy items that might seriously damage your teeth is to chew sugar-free gum.
Additionally, sugar-free gum can assist your teeth remineralize and lessen the acid assault that occurs after eating. It aids in increasing saliva production, the mouth’s natural defense against acid. To maintain your oral health while you’re on the road, have some at your workplace, in your car, or in your bag. Chew between meals.
Avoid consuming fizzy beverages.
Unbelievably, there are two main reasons why this behavior might be harmful to your dental health. Because of their acidity, they can erode teeth, but they also frequently include large amounts of sugar, which is known to induce decay.
It can cause significant harm even if you just consume one bottle or can each day. No matter how little or how long you expose your teeth to acid and sugar, it takes roughly an hour for them to remineralize and recover. Thus, consider consuming a single bottle of carbonated beverage throughout the course of a workday. There would never be a break for your teeth! Definitely a habit to break!
Drink plenty of water.
Water is king, that much is certain. Water is the finest beverage for your teeth in addition to being necessary for our bodies to function correctly and prevent dehydration.
Water is not acidic. Water isn’t sweet. Your teeth are not in any way harmed by water. Therefore, if you want to have a beverage to sip throughout the day, attempt to have a drink of water.
Avoid washing your mouth after spitting.
One of the less evident ones is probably this one. Rinsing your teeth with water after brushing does not necessarily do damage to them. More than anything else, you’re taking away something that may strengthen them.
Because fluoride builds tooth enamel and increases its resistance to decay, it can be very beneficial to your dental health. This mineral is naturally present in a wide variety of foods and water sources, but since it is so beneficial to teeth, it is also available in a wide variety of toothpastes. However, the fluoride that may be protecting your teeth long after you’ve stopped brushing is washed away when you rinse your mouth after brushing. Let the fluoride do its magic on your teeth and stop rinsing!
Make sure to brush your teeth.
Did you know that only around 60% of your teeth can be cleaned with a toothbrush? This is a result of toothbrushes’ existing inability to effectively clean the gaps between teeth. They just can’t get there. And guess where the majority of gum disease and tooth decay start?
It’s crucial to pay attention to the little areas between your teeth, whether you like to use interdental brushes or floss. Try to establish cleaning certain areas as a daily routine.
Avoid brushing right away after eating.
I now realize that I’m not the only one who has previously engaged in this behavior! brushing immediately after consuming food or beverages. It’s not something you should be doing at all, even if it would make reasonable to do so, particularly if you’re rushing to bed.
The reason is that eating or drinking anything damages the enamel on the front of your teeth, especially if it’s acidic or sugary. Brushing right soon may result in the removal of enamel particles, which over time may make your teeth sore and sensitive. Before brushing your teeth, you must wait an hour for them to remineralize.
Be mindful of your mouth.
This one is a little somber, but it’s still crucial. Many of us attempt to overlook issues as they come up and hope they go away, but you should definitely avoid taking any chances with your mouth.
Any of us might have mouth cancer, a potentially fatal condition. Early diagnosis and detection are essential for survival. You should see a dentist or physician right away if you notice any strange changes in or around your mouth, such as ulcers that don’t heal, white or red patches, a lump, or a bump.
Get checked out if you’re unsure! Be proactive and schedule a visit with your physician or dentist.
Don’t open items with your mouth.
This one need some clarification. In the end, your teeth are not tools, regardless of whether it’s a bottle, a package, or a difficult nut!
Chewing pens, pencils, or even fingernails can have the same effect. Your teeth might become weaker, chipped, or even cracked as a result of any of these factors. You’ll regret not using the bottle opener for its intended usage when you’re in the dentist chair, prepared to shell out hundreds of dollars for treatment!
Get checked out if you’re unsure! Be proactive and schedule a visit with your physician or dentist.
Make sure to show up for your appointments!
Finally, but certainly not least. The frequency of your visits will depend on your individual needs and can be determined by your dental team. It could happen once every three months for certain people. Some, once every six, twelve, or even eighteen.
Making sure you attend frequently—as frequently as they advise—rather than only when you have an issue that has to be fixed is crucial. Additionally, dentists might be able to identify abnormalities early on and address them before they worsen. Not to mention that your dentist will visually examine you as part of each visit to check for the early warning symptoms of oral cancer. Simply put, you may save your life by seeing the dentist.
Five-out-and-five-in oral health habits for life: https://www.dentalhealth.org/blog