6 Lifestyle Changes Your Dentist May Recommend
Posted on: 30 September 2021
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Your dentist may recommend some lifestyle changes for you to improve your oral health. This article outlines some popular suggestions dentists may give to patients. Read on to find out more!
Replace sugary drinks with water
Replacing sugary drinks such as cans of soda or fruit juice with water can help to protect your teeth and gums. Your dentist may suggest you replace your usual sugary drink with water after meals to reduce acidity in your mouth. This can help to limit dental erosion, slow the progress of tooth decay and protect your teeth from cavities.
Cut down on alcohol
Consuming alcohol in excessive amounts can cause problems for teeth over time. Your dentist may recommend cutting down on or potentially abstaining from alcohol altogether due to its effects on gums and teeth. This could lead to less gum inflammation, which in turn lowers the risk of gum disease. Alcohol drinks can also contain a lot of sugar which can lead to tooth decay.
Avoid snacking
Eating between meals can boost the bacteria in your mouth as they have more food particles to feed on between brushes. Snacking can help to accelerate problems like dental decay that could eventually lead to tooth loss. Instead of snacking, your dentist may suggest chewing gum.
Quit smoking
Smoking drastically increases the risk of oral cancer. It can also cause staining of the teeth, bad breath and gum disease. If you smoke, your dentist may recommend that you quit. They will also encourage you to visit your dentist regularly for a dental exam to check for any gum recession or staining or damage to your teeth. If you find that you can't give up nicotine for good, then your dentist may recommend that you try nicotine gum.
Avoid contact sport
Contact sport such as rugby puts you at an increased risk of having your teeth chipped or knocked out. Your dentist may recommend that you avoid contact sport of any kind for the purpose of protecting your teeth from potential injury. If you want to carry on playing a contact sport, your dentist may recommend a mouthguard.
Visit a dentist regularly
Regular dental visits help to prevent dental problems from occurring in the first place. Your dentist may recommend that you get a mouth exam along with various forms of treatment including cleaning, whitening, fillings or crowns, bridges or dentures if needed.
Contact a local dentist today to find out more about protecting your teeth.