There’s no escaping it now- 2020 has arrived, and we seem to have blinked and January is almost over. This year will most likely bring with it many exciting opportunities and challenges, and here at JL Dental Care we’d like to add one more- have better dental health in 2020!
There are two main factors in experiencing better dental health; avoiding the consumption of things which are harmful to your teeth and gums, whilst also maintaining a clean and healthy mouth. So, with that in mind, here are 5 ways you can experience better oral health this year (and decade)!
1. Say No to Sugar- Sugar is one of the biggest culprits when it comes to oral health issues such as tooth decay or gum disease. When you consume sugar, acidic bacteria is produced in the mouth, which strips down the teeth’s enamel. As the enamel forms a protective layer, repeated acid attacks will leave your teeth exposed to decay and disease. We’re not saying you should totally remove sugar from your diet, but in order to give your teeth a fighting chance this year you should be wary of your sugar intake.
2. Stop Smoking- If you’re still smoking in 2020, now would be a great time to quit. Tobacco consumption not only discolours teeth, but dries out your mouth, disturbing your oral ecosystem through supressing saliva production. Saliva is an essential factor in flushing out bad bacteria from the mouth, and smoking makes it incredibly easy for harmful bacteria to stick to your teeth, causing a lot of harm. In addition, smokers have a much higher chance of contracting oral cancers- 90% of mouth cancer cases are due to smoking, so now is as good a time to kick the habit as any!
3. Limit Alcohol Consumption- Along with smoking, excessive alcohol consumption is a big obstacle to overcome if you want a healthy mouth. Alcohol affects your oral health in the same ways as sugar AND smoking- sugary alcoholic drinks are highly acidic, making it easy for your enamel to be stripped away, leading to sensitivity, tooth decay and potential gum disease. Furthermore, as we all know alcohol can leave you very dehydrated, and this leads to saliva flow being heavily reduced, which is a problem as saliva protects our teeth from decay through the neutralisation of acids- without saliva, our teeth are defenceless against decay. So, if you’re doing Dry January, it might be worth reducing alcohol intake over the whole year too!
4. Visit the Hygienist- You should visit your hygienist regularly (as advised) for a thorough cleaning of your teeth and check of your gums. This is important as they can identify potential issues with your teeth and recommend the best course of action to remedy the problem. The thorough cleaning which will remove all traces of both tartar and plaque- major causes of gum disease, dental decay, and tooth loss. You should also, of course, have regular check-ups with your dentist.
5. Maintain a Brushing Schedule- Last, but certainly not least, is the most important way that you can experience better dental health this year. Brushing and flossing twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste will eliminate any bacteria or plaque that has built up overnight or during the day. When used in combination with the previous 4 tips, your mouth will almost definitely be protected in 2020.
So, there we have it! Your teeth will be thanking you if you stick with this advice, but if you’re concerned about any aspect of your oral health, or want to know the best ways to implement these changes, don’t hesitate to book an appointment by giving us a call on 020 8958 0136.
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