There are several lifestyle-related actions that can make a world of difference to the health of your mouth and teeth, the most obvious and important being to brush your teeth twice a day. It is advisable to brush last thing at night and once more at any other time of day and brushing with fluoride toothpaste is thought to be most effective.
Registered dental specialists and orthodontists, such as Jonathan Alexander Abt, often advise patients about their diet, alcohol consumption and smoking habits, as these will also have a significant effect on their dental health. The types of food that you eat and drinks that you consume can cause tooth decay, making a healthy diet a vital part of maintaining oral and dental health.
A recommended balanced diet would typically include plenty of vegetables and fruit, along with wholegrain starches such as rice and potatoes. Protein is another important part of a healthy diet, so look to include fish, meat, eggs and beans in your daily meals. Avoid food and drinks that are high in sugar and fat, only eating small amounts infrequently.
Sugar is one of the most cited causes of tooth decay and it is hidden in lots of different foods. To avoid tooth decay and poor oral health, avoid the following foods: chocolate, sweets and cakes; high-sugar breakfast cereals; ice creams; dried fruit; fruit juice and smoothies; fizzy drinks and alcohol; and of course, table sugar that you add to coffee or tea.
Avoiding fizzy drinks and soft drinks is one of the best lifestyle decisions you can make as far as dental health is concerned. These drinks contain a lot of sugar which causes plaque formation, contributing to gum disease. Fizzy drinks are also particularly acidic, which will erode tooth enamel upon contact.
Smoking is another habit that is very likely to contribute to poor oral health. Smoking is linked with gum disease as well as several other oral diseases, and it can erode gums and turn your teeth more yellow in colour. Smoking is associated with calculus, the hardening of plaque that can only be removed by a professional dental hygienist; deep pockets that occur between the tooth and gum; and a loss of the tissue and bone that supports your teeth.