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Healthy Habits for Healthy Teeth: Tips to Improve Your Overall Health
Healthy Habits for Healthy Teeth: Tips to Improve Your Overall Health
A bright, friendly smile is a great way of showing your best face to the world. Keeping your teeth and gums as healthy as possible will give you a reason to keep smiling, and it can also improve your overall health. Poor oral health is related to dental conditions such as gum disease like gingivitis (swollen, puffy gums), tooth decay, and gum infections. It is also linked to other health issues, like heart disease, diabetes, mental health, and more. Maintaining a healthy oral care routine – oral “self-care” – is one of the best things you can do for your teeth and the rest of your body. It only takes a few minutes a day to prevent oral health problems and ensure a healthy smile for life.
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Healthy Habits for Healthy Teeth: Tips to Improve Your Overall Health
Healthy Habits for Healthy Teeth: Tips to Improve Your Overall Health
Healthy Habits for Healthy Teeth: Tips to Improve Your Overall Health
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A bright, friendly smile is a great way of showing your best face to the world. Keeping your teeth and gums as healthy as possible will give you a reason to keep smiling, and it can also improve your overall health. Poor oral health is related to dental conditions such as gum disease like gingivitis (swollen, puffy gums), tooth decay, and gum infections. It is also linked to other health issues, like heart disease, diabetes, mental health, and more. Maintaining a healthy oral care routine – oral “self-care” – is one of the best things you can do for your teeth and the rest of your body. It only takes a few minutes a day to prevent oral health problems and ensure a healthy smile for life.
Why is Oral Care Important?
Oral health problems are some of the most common conditions among American adults. In a 2022 report, the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research found that:
- 90% of adults aged 20 to 64 years have tooth decay
- 50% of adults aged 45 to 64 years have gum disease
The CDC notes that:
- By age 8, 52% of children have had a cavity in their baby teeth
- Children from low-income families are twice as likely to have cavities as their peers from higher-income families
- On average kids lose 34 million school hours every year for emergency dental care
A recent study conducted by the National Dental Association (NDA) and the Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA) revealed that more than half (53%) of American adults consider their tooth and gum health to be only “fair” to “poor.” This is likely because 39% also said they brush their teeth “less than twice a day” and 21% said they “never” floss. The statistics are even more alarming for Black/African Americans with 42% saying they need emergency or urgent oral care from non-dentists at least once per year, compared to 30% of other adults. People who may be poor, undereducated, or living in rural communities face additional challenges.
In addition to problems like tooth decay and gum disease, oral health also affects the rest of the body. Your mouth is the gateway to the rest of your body. It connects to your digestive tract and your respiratory tract, which can allow bacteria from the mouth to travel into the rest of the body. This can lead to increased risk of certain health conditions, including:
- Endocarditis: Infection of the inner lining of the heart chambers.
- Cardiovascular disease: Heart disease, clogged arteries, and stroke.
- Pregnancy and birth complications: Premature birth and low birth weight.
- Pneumonia: Infection of the lungs causing inflammation.
Some underlying health conditions can also increase the risk of oral health issues. Diabetes, for example, can increase the likelihood of developing gum disease. In addition, gum disease can make it harder to control blood sugar. Other chronic illnesses like osteoporosis, Alzheimer’s Disease, or HIV/AIDS can have negative effects on tooth and gum health as well.
The good news is that you can start on the path to a healthy mouth right away with a number of easy steps recommended by dentists and other oral health experts:
1. Brush teeth twice a day.
According to research, using fluoride toothpaste and brushing teeth twice a day, for two minutes at a time, reduces the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. You can use over-the-counter (OTC) oral care products to establish your oral self-care routine.
Choose a soft-bristled toothbrush. Both manual and electric toothbrushes can remove bacteria and other materials from your teeth, so choose the brush that is most comfortable for you. Place the brush at a 45-degree angle to your teeth and gently move it in an up-and-down motion. Be sure to clean all sides of each tooth.
Some toothbrushes even have a built-in timer to let you know when you have brushed for two full minutes. You can also set a timer on your phone or use a stopwatch. Playing a song that lasts for 2 minutes can be a fun way to help kids know how long to brush their teeth.
Most OTC toothpastes contain fluoride. Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that has a proven history of improving oral health. Fluoride can strengthen the enamel of teeth and reverse early signs of decay. Research shows that fluoride is a safe and effective ingredient for reducing the risk of cavities for both adults and children. Common OTC fluoride toothpastes include:
You can also consider using a mouthwash to maintain healthy teeth and gums. While effective brushing and flossing remove bacteria and plaque from the surface of your teeth, rinsing afterward helps to make sure that bacteria leaves your mouth. Common OTC mouthwashes include:
There are also OTC oral care products that can help reduce plaque and gingivitis. These include toothpastes with the active ingredient stannous fluoride (Crest® Pro Health Gum Detoxify; Colgate® Total Anticavity, Antigingivitis, and Antisensitivity) and mouthwashes with cetylpyridinium chloride (Crest® ProHealth, Colgate® Total Gum Health) and essential oils (Listerine®).
2. Clean between teeth daily.
Brushing alone can’t remove all bacteria or food debris from between teeth. That’s why it is important to clean between teeth to clear away anything that brushing didn’t remove.
There are a variety of effective tools for cleaning between teeth, including:
- Dental floss: waxed string or flat tape that slides between teeth
- Interdental brushes: a small brush that can fit between teeth
- Water flossers: a device that sprays a thin jet of water between teeth
- Toothpicks: smooth wooden sticks to dislodge debris from between teeth
The most effective tool for cleaning between teeth is the one that you will use every day. Find a method or combination of methods that work best for you and be consistent with it.
3. Rinse with mouthwash twice a day.
After brushing and flossing, consider using a mouthwash – also known as mouth/oral rinse – to help maintain healthy teeth and gums. While effective brushing and flossing remove bacteria and plaque from the surface of your teeth, rinsing afterward helps to kill harmful bacteria that can live between your teeth and gums. There are different types of mouthwash available in the market, including alcohol-based and alcohol-free options. Common OTC mouthwashes include:
What is Oil Pulling?
Oil pulling is an ancient practice that is supposed to remove bacteria by swishing a small amount of oil around your mouth. There are several small-scale studies that support the benefits of oil pulling, but the American Dental Association (ADA) does not consider oil pulling to be a reliable dental hygiene practice or a replacement for brushing and flossing. As with any oral health remedy, talk with your dentist to decide what's best for you.
4. Eat a healthy diet and limit sugary beverages and snacks.
Sugar consumption is linked to a higher risk of cavities in teeth, so cutting back on the amount of sugar you eat and drink can reduce the risk of tooth decay. Eating a balanced diet may also improve gum health.
5. See a dentist regularly.
Seeing a dentist regularly is just as important as seeing a doctor regularly. Many dentists recommend coming in twice a year, though some people need more care, while others may need less. You can talk to your dentist about your oral health. Your dentist can help you set up a schedule of routine dental checkups that are just right for your needs.
Your dentist can also recommend personalized oral care suggestions. For example, people with an increased risk of cavities might benefit from a fluoride rinse. You should see your dentist right away if you have new or worsening pain, sores, or swelling in your mouth. This could be the sign of a cavity or infection that needs treatment. You should also see your dentist if you damage a tooth, crown, or filling, even if it doesn’t hurt. Bacteria can get into a damaged tooth or filling and cause more serious problems.
Dental Health is Good Health
A healthy oral care habit is a simple but effective way to improve your health - because a healthy mouth can promote a healthy body. Spending just four or five minutes each day brushing and cleaning between your teeth will help reduce your risks of cavities and gum disease, as will reducing the amount of sugary snacks you eat. Scheduling regular visits with a dentist can ensure that your smile stays bright for many years to come.
