Five Ways to Get Oral Health in Shape in the New Year
With the New Year right around the corner, many of us are making resolutions to get healthier. But if all you’re planning on changing is your diet and exercise routine, those resolutions may not be going far enough. That’s because in order to have a truly healthy body, you have to have a healthy mouth. Poor oral health has been directly linked to everything from cancer to stroke to diabetes, Alzheimer’s and even heart disease.
Thankfully, taking charge of your oral health is easy. Just follow these tips to get a healthier mouth in 2019.
Drink Water
Our bodies range anywhere from about 55 percent to 60 percent water, so it’s vital to replenish it by drinking plenty of H2O. Drinking water helps literally every system in your body function better. It benefits your mouth by keeping your teeth and gums hydrated, which in turn keeps your breath fresh and helps reduce cavities. In fact, it is recommended that you not only drink water, but also rinse with water after any meal if you cannot brush your teeth. This helps loosen food and plaque stuck to the teeth so that when it comes time to brush, your toothbrush won’t have to work so hard to get those pearly whites pearly whiter.
Invest in a Tongue Scraper
Tongue scraping is a beneficial practice that most people simply don’t do. Yes, it adds an extra step to your oral care routine, but the benefits outweigh the time it takes to complete. Tongue scraping helps the mouth by removing plaque and bacteria from the tongue, keeping it out of your mouth and away from your teeth and gums, where it can cause cavities and inflammation. It can also help stave off bad breath. Sounds like a win-win-win to us!
Resolve to Floss
According to Colgate.com, only 40 percent of Americans floss their teeth at least once a day. If you’re not flossing, you are missing about 40 percent of your teeth’s surface when you brush, leaving bits of cavity-causing food and bacteria between your teeth! If you must only floss once, floss before bed. Flossing at bedtime is the best way to get your teeth squeaky clean at night.
Exercise
Exercising helps ward off serious and life-threatening illnesses like diabetes, cancer, heart disease, hypertension and stroke, all of which can be linked to periodontal disease. Keeping these illnesses away is vital.
Treat Your TMJ Disorder
No, don’t buy it a diamond tennis bracelet, get evaluated for neuromuscular dental treatment and treat your TMJ so it stops hurting your jaw and upper body. You’ll look better, feel better and your teeth will last longer, too.
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Lederman, please call 516-882-1764.
