Many of our health-based New Year’s resolutions may have been broken already but with all the conflicting information out there, it’s really hard to know what to do to lead a healthier life.
Have your 5 a day – but don’t eat too much fruit because it’s acidic and full of sugar. Cut down on alcohol – but a small glass of red wine a day is ok. Don’t indulge in chocolate – but a square of dark is good for you. Reduce caffeine – but a cup of coffee a day is good for your heart. Who knows what’s true!
Every day there seems to be new advice. So, the dentists at Evesham Dental Health Team on Broadway Road have come up with three simple changes that will help keep your mouth tip top – and as we know, a healthy mouth reflects a healthy body.
Tooth-kind drinks
There are two – milk and water. Simple. This includes dairy-free unsweetened milk alternatives that are calcium enriched too (check the nutrition label for sugar content). Unsweetened coffee and tea are also tooth-kind but may cause staining. Drink smart to help protect tooth enamel – and have less fruit juice or squash until you feel you can cut it out.
Love your gums
Brush twice a day for two minutes with fluoride toothpaste and floss before brushing.
Flossing loosens bacteria and food debris from between your teeth, which allows brushing to be much more successful at removing plaque. Doing so will lower your risk of gum disease, which has been linked to more than 20 serious conditions including heart disease, bacterial lung infections, strokes, diabetes and problems with fertility and pregnancy.
Regular dental visits allow our Evesham dentists to spot gum disease early, so make sure you book your essential dental health review and hygiene maintenance appointments with us – and don’t be tempted to put them off.
Cut down on sugar
Sugar causes tooth decay. It is not the amount of sugar in food and drink that matters but, more importantly, how often there are sugary things in the mouth. Sweet drinks (especially those in a bottle or with a sports cap), sweets and lollipops are particularly bad because the teeth are bathed in sugar for a considerable time. If you do have sugary treats, eat them with your main meal rather than between meals.
Please contact us if you have any questions about your dental health or would like to book an appointment.
