New Dental Habits to Start Now

Having a balanced and nutritious diet is important for so many reasons. In addition to fueling your body and keeping it healthy, the food that you eat also has an impact on your oral health. There are certain foods that can either lessen or increase the risk for developing dental decay. Foods that are high in sugars and carbohydrates are more likely to cause oral bacteria to accumulate, which can ultimately lead to cavities. When choosing foods, try to stay away from processed foods and veer more towards calcium-rich foods (yogurt, fat-free milk, cheese, almonds), foods high in vitamin C (citrus fruits, potatoes, spinach and tomatoes) and foods high in phosphorus (lean meats, fish, beans). These foods can all help to keep your teeth strong and healthy. 

There are also some bad oral habits that people develop that can cause dental issues. Smoking, chewing on objects, nail-biting and teeth grinding are a few of those habits that you should make a conscious effort to break. All of these habits cause excessive wear to your teeth, can lead to cavities and smoking also doubles your risk of getting gum disease. These types of habits can be difficult to break and there is no time like the present to start working on that.  

Another area you can improve with your oral health routine is to commit to flossing every day. Most people have floss or floss sticks in their homes, but are usually a bit lax when it comes to flossing on a daily basis. Brushing your teeth after meals is great, but there are the small areas between your teeth where food can get stuck. Flossing is a great way to ensure that your mouth is free from any lingering bits of food that can cause tooth decay.  

Finally, summer is a good time to buy new dental products. Buying a new toothbrush, mouthwash, floss and toothpaste is usually something that is done only sporadically, or when a product runs out. You want to buy a new toothbrush after an illness, and before the bristles on the brush start to bend and break. You also want to make sure that you are not using toothpaste that is old and crusty or mouthwash that is a few years old. If you are unsure as to which products are best, ask your dentist.  

Making small changes to your daily habits can be huge in keeping your mouth clean and healthy. If you haven’t had a dental checkup lately, it might also be a good idea to get that scheduled.