Did you know excellent oral health contributes to whole-body wellness? Taking steps to keep your smile healthier influences your overall well-being today and in the future.
As a dentist in Elk Grove and Lodi, I understand how systemic health relies on smile health. In other words, a healthy smile means a healthy body.
#1 Good Nutrition Matters
Nutrition is vital to all body systems, including smile wellness. Here are a few smile-healthy foods you should incorporate into your diet.
- Dairy —The probiotics found in yogurt may offset unhealthy bacteria on the teeth and gums. Additionally, cheese, milk, and yogurt are good sources of calcium for stronger teeth and bones.
- Fatty Fish — Salmon and similar fatty fish types contain phosphorus essential to healthy dental enamel.
- Apples and Pears — Apples increase saliva production, which helps clear plaque and neutralize oral bacteria from teeth and gums. Plaque and bacteria buildup leads to tooth decay and puts people at risk for gum disease.
- Leafy Greens and Crunchy Vegetables — Lettuce, spinach, and other leafy greens contain calcium, folic acid, and other vital nutrients. Crunchy veggies also help clear debris from the teeth.
- Fresh Fruits and Vegetables — Fresh fruits and vegetables are loaded with nutrients, and some contain vitamin C, which helps heal cell damage.
- Nuts — Peanuts are a good vitamin D source, essential for calcium absorption. Almonds and similar nuts help fight bacteria, and walnuts contain fiber, vitamins, and other important nutrients.
#2 The Vitamin and Mineral Connection
Here are a few essential vitamins and minerals for a healthier smile:
- Calcium is vital for healthy teeth and bones.
- Vitamin A and phosphorus help remineralize tooth enamel and promote salivation.
- Vitamin D is essential for calcium uptake.
- Potassium and magnesium help neutralize systemic acid.
- Vitamin K promotes healing, which benefits gum health.
#3 Checkups and Teeth Cleanings Are Your Best Defense
Visiting my dental office every six months for checkups and teeth cleanings is vital, and the American Dental Association recommends this schedule.
Regular dental visits allow for the early detection of decay, gum disease, and other preventable oral health conditions. Dental cleanings significantly lower your risks for all preventable oral health conditions.
#4 Brushing and Flossing Alone Are Not Enough
For the best results, brush your teeth after every meal. If this isn’t possible, do so at least twice daily. Flossing is also essential.
However, brushing and flossing alone is not enough. You must ensure you’re doing these things correctly. Brush all tooth surfaces, including the backs of teeth, using a gentle circular motion—don’t forget to brush the gums. Also, use fresh sections of floss for every pass-through, never tugging or forcing the string.
#5 Rinsing Is Better Than Nothing
If you’ve had an unhealthy lunch or indulged in sweets and can’t get to your toothbrush, rinsing your mouth thoroughly in the sink is better than allowing the debris to settle on your teeth.
#6 Protect Your Teeth on the Playing Field
Exercise is good for you, so joining a sports team is excellent. However, protecting your teeth and gums from stray balls is essential. Talk to me about a custom mouthguard for yourself or your child. These offer more protection for your smile than those in sporting goods stores.
#7 Protect Your Teeth During the Night
Nighttime teeth grinding can cost you your teeth, leave you with head, neck, and shoulder pain, and generally disrupt life quality. If you suspect bruxism, I can help fit you with a custom nightguard to protect your smile and well-being.
#8 Don’t Forget Your Gum Health
You may think you don’t need dental care if you have full-mouth prosthetics like dentures. However, your gum health is vital to your overall wellness. It would be best if you visited my dental office regularly for periodontal checkups.
Recent studies correlate undiagnosed and untreated gum disease with heart health complications, specific types of dementia, rheumatoid arthritis, and more.
#9 Hydration Is Crucial
A dry mouth promotes decay. Drinking plenty of water is the best way forward. You can also chew sugarless gum to encourage salivary function on the go, which hydrates the mouth.
#10 Follow Your Dentist’s Advice
If I recommend a specific treatment, I’ll always explain why it’s important and how it will benefit your oral health. My team and I have always prioritized your best interests!
#11 When in Doubt, Ask
If you have questions about oral hygiene or want more customized nutritional information, my team and I are always happy to help. For example, if you’re prone to decay, we can suggest specific dietary guidelines to complement your dental care.
#12 Let Your Dentist Know
If you notice anything new between dental checkups and teeth cleanings—sores that don’t heal, tooth sensitivity, or other issues—please let me know! My priority is your oral health and how it contributes to living your best life.
Schedule Your Next Dental Checkup in Elk Grove or Lodi
Is it time for your next checkup and teeth cleaning? Do you have questions for me or my team? Call us today at (916) 714-6644 or (209) 642-4111 to get started.
If you haven’t visited me before, ask a dental team member about our new patient special (available at the time of this writing), our dental savings plan, and third-party financing options.