Your lifestyle habits play an important role in your dental health, and there may be factors in your lifestyle that could have a big effect on your teeth and gums. If you follow a good oral health care routine but are still experiencing dental issues, your lifestyle choices may have a part to play. Let’s take a closer look at some lifestyle factors that could be affecting your oral health.
Consuming Too Much Sugar
It is a well-known fact that sugar is bad for our health, including teeth and gums. When we eat sugary foods, it encourages the growth of bacteria that can cause erosion of the enamel. Even if you eat a good diet that includes lots of fruit and vegetables, regular use of sugary snacks will still have the same effect. Try to limit your sugar intake, eat healthier foods and your smile will thank you.
Smoking or Vaping
Smoking can cause a host of problems for oral health. Not only does it stain the teeth, but it also contributes to gum disease. Vaping, while considered to be less harmful than smoking, is also bad for oral health. Vaping dries the mouth and leaves a sticky coating on teeth that creates an environment for bacteria to thrive and plaque to form. Avoiding smoking or vaping is essential in maintaining good dental health.
Dehydration
Staying hydrated is a great way to take care of your dental health. If you don’t drink water regularly throughout the day, you may get a dry mouth which can encourage bacteria to grow and cause bad breath. Drinking water also helps to clean the mouth and wash any food particles away from your teeth and gums.
Not Taking Care With Oral Hygiene
We should all brush our teeth and floss at least twice per day. Even if you do this, if you are not using the right techniques or rush the process, you are likely to miss cleaning some of the surfaces of your teeth. Take time when brushing and flossing to make sure all areas on the teeth are covered. You could also check with your dentist to make sure you are cleaning your teeth correctly.
Life Stresses
Stress is a normal part of life, however, if you are under chronic stress then it may show in your dental health. You may hold tension in your jaw that leads to clenching the jaw or grinding teeth, which can cause damage over time. If you are experiencing ongoing stress in your life, it is important to take steps to reduce how you respond to it. Make time for self-care, eat well, and exercise, as this can improve your stress levels and help you maintain a healthy mouth.
Further Advice on Lifestyle Choices
If you need advice on changing your lifestyle habits, visiting a general doctor, dietitian, or physiotherapist is a good place to start. They will be able to give you information on things such as quitting smoking and healthy eating. Your dentist is also a great source of information when it comes to keeping up with your oral hygiene routine, so don’t be afraid to ask questions during your next dental visit.
If you would like more information about oral hygiene, our Downtown Vancouver Dental team is also here to help. Contact us today.
