Your dental health is a key component of your overall health, yet it is easily overlooked. Obviously if your mouth is hurting it keeps you from eating properly. However, even seemingly unrelated parts of your health are linked to your oral health. Below are some ways to combat oral health issues later in life.
Develop a Rigorous Routine
It is never too late to develop a routine to improve your oral health. Having a routine that you follow every day is key to keeping the bacteria in your mouth at bay. Of course, your routine should include brushing twice a day, flossing, any instructions your dentist has given you, and maybe swishing with mouthwash.
Your nighttime routine is especially important in your oral health. When you go to sleep, your mouth has a couple of hours to do nothing—no drinking water, no eating, and no talking. This allows bacteria to grow in your mouth. Remember to brush especially well at night and care for your teeth to minimize damage. Your routine can also include things outside the daily teeth cleaning habits. It can include things like setting reminders to replace your toothbrush or schedule a dentist appointment.
Visit the Dentist Often
This can be a touchy subject for many people. Going to visit the dentist can have many obstacles. Maybe they’re super busy taking care of kids or working a full-time job. Maybe they’re not sure where to find a dentist. Or maybe they simply fear going to the dentist. It’s not exactly a natural experience to lie on your back and have someone examining your teeth. Still, it is incredibly important to make time to go.
About a quarter of people in the U.S. have dental anxiety, and this can be a serious deterrent. There are many ways to reduce dental anxiety. Find a dentist that your friends and neighbor’s trust. Knowing they have had a good experience can do wonders to help calm dental anxiety. Asking your dentist questions and getting to know them a little can help as well. It can also help to do some breathing exercises, read a book, or listen to calming music to prepare yourself for the appointment.
Eat the Right Food
What you eat has a serious effect not only on your gut health, but also on your oral health. There are many things to avoid such as sugary foods or foods that are too hard. Even so, there is plenty of food that promotes good oral health. Also consider what you eat when. If you eat something that isn’t as good for your oral health, eating something better for your teeth or chewing sugar-free gum afterward can help.
Listen to your teeth and gums. They will tell you when something is wrong through pain or unexplained bleeding and swelling. Get help as soon as you can. But follow these tips to prevent problems and live a longer, healthier life. Your mouth and body will thank you for it.
Read this next: Sink Your Teeth Into It: The Importance of Practicing Proper Dental Hygiene
