Happy New Year! As we welcome the new year, it's the perfect time to reflect on our habits and make resolutions to improve our overall health and well-being. One often overlooked aspect of our health is our oral health, which is why we're focusing on ten New Year's resolutions to improve your dental health. By implementing these habits and regularly visiting the Upper Hunt Club Dental Centre in Ottawa, you can keep your teeth and gums healthy and avoid common dental problems like cavities, gum disease, and tooth loss.
1. Brush teeth twice a day
Brushing your teeth is the first step to good oral health, but many people don't do it as often as they should. At least twice a day is recommended, and ideally, you should brush after every meal or snack. A medium-bristled toothbrush with fluoride toothpaste removes plaque and keeps your teeth strong against cavities.
2. Floss daily
The more you floss, the less likely you are to get cavities. And by flossing, you're also helping to remove the bacteria that cause gum disease, which can lead to tooth loss. Floss under your gums and between your teeth at least once daily. Use an interdental brush and water-flossing tip for your gums for the best results.
3. Use mouthwash
Mouthwash helps by killing bacteria that cause bad breath and gum disease. So, after brushing and flossing, swish your mouth with a mouthwash that contains fluoride, which washes away plaque on your teeth.
4. Avoid sugary foods and drinks
Limiting the number of sugary foods and drinks you consume is important. This includes soda, fruit juice, candy and other sugary snacks. If you're on a diet and need to consume calories, try healthy, fat-free or reduced-fat foods like yoghurt, fruits and non-dessert snacks instead.
5. Replace your toothbrush regularly
Toothbrushes should be replaced every 3 to 4 months. After all, a toothbrush only removes plaque when the bristles are in good condition. If you're unsure, toss it and buy a new one.
6. Visit the dentist for regular check-ups
As we mentioned, many people don't brush or floss consistently or replace their toothbrushes regularly. This can lead to dental problems like cavities or gum disease. We recommend visiting us at the Upper Hunt Club Dental Centre in Ottawa regularly to prevent these issues. Your dentist will be able to diagnose and treat dental problems earlier on and give you tips on how to improve your oral health for the long term.
7. Quit smoking
Smoking increases your risk of gum disease and tooth loss, so quitting is recommended. If you can't quit cold turkey, try quitting in phases by reducing the number of cigarettes you smoke daily.
8. Eating a healthy and well-balanced diet
A healthy and well-balanced diet can help keep your teeth and gums healthy by limiting the amount of sugar you eat. In addition, it's also important to limit the number of acidic foods you eat, such as citrus fruits and juices, processed meats and fast-food items. These foods can cause tooth erosion, which is a condition that weakens teeth by wearing them down slowly over time.
Consequences of Poor Oral Health
Poor oral health can negatively affect your overall health and well-being. Some of the potential consequences of poor oral health include the following:
1. Increased likelihood of developing gum disease or cavities
A poor diet and poor oral hygiene could lead to gum disease or cavities if you've never had gingivitis or cavities. Even if you haven't had these issues, improving your overall health and well-being can help reduce your risk of developing these oral health problems. For example, quitting smoking can help lower your risk of developing periodontitis and heart disease.
2. Increased severity of existing dental problems
Having a history of gum disease or cavities increases the severity of existing dental problems, such as tooth loss or the need for dental implants. By improving your oral health, you're also lowering your chances that any new dental problems will happen.
3. Increased risk of dental diseases
A history of poor oral health can also increase your risk of developing and dying from other diseases. Even if you don't have underlying conditions, taking care of your oral health can help lower the risk of developing or dying from these diseases. For example, gum disease is a risk factor for developing cancer, and cavities increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.
4. Decreased quality of life
By improving your overall health and well-being through adopting healthy behaviours like quitting smoking and eating healthier foods, you're also improving your life expectancy and quality of life.
Maintaining good oral health is essential for keeping your teeth and gums healthy and preventing serious issues from developing. By implementing these ten New Year's resolutions, you can improve your dental health and start the new year off on the right foot. Don't forget to visit us at the Upper Hunt Club Dental Centre in Ottawa regularly for check-ups and cleanings, and make sure to practice good oral hygiene daily. With a little effort and regular consistency, you can achieve and maintain a healthy, beautiful smile for years. Contact us today to schedule an appointment! Happy New Year!
