National Smile Month
Posted on May 19, 2020 in Dental Health
It is always important to keep our smiles in tip-top shape, but did you know that June is an extra-special time to celebrate smile power? It’s National Smile Month! We’re looking into how our oral health influences our everyday wellness. For example, the health of our mouth can impact the health of our cardiovascular system. Learn more about what our smile does for us and get tips for maintaining your smile this month and always!
Mouth and Body Connection
Although the doctor and dentist have their differences, there’s more in common than one might think. People who go to the dentist and take care of their oral health have less risk for both heart disease and high blood pressure than those who don’t. And people with high blood pressure often have higher levels of plaque buildup on their teeth. Our mouth can be a window into the health of our whole body. Dental visits, maintaining a healthy diet, avoiding tobacco, and consistently using proper oral health routines are all ways we can support our oral and overall health. A healthy mouth improves our overall health and allows us to enjoy so many things in life - keep this in mind the next time you are considering skipping oral health maintenance.
Brushing and Flossing
Many of us believe we brush and floss our teeth effectively when in reality, we have bad brushing habits. When it comes to brushing, it’s important to brush our teeth properly for two minutes, twice a day and floss at least once a day. That way, we can keep our smiles powerful.
These tips keep your teeth clean, but they also can prevent illnesses for the rest of the body. One study found that people who brushed less than twice a day had three times the risk for heart disease than those who brushed at least twice a day for at least two minutes. Next time you forget to brush or floss, remember that it can affect more than just your mouth.
Other Oral Health At-Home Tips
Although brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits can keep your teeth in tip-top shape, there are other at-home habits that keep our oral health in shape
Oral health at home tips:
- Brush with fluoride toothpaste
- Don’t use tobacco products
- Limit alcoholic drinks
- Use mouthwash to fight cavities and bad breath
- If you experience dry mouth, talk to your doctor about saliva substitutes and/or possible interactions with medications.
Following these tips can do wonders for your oral health, but only so much can be done without going to the dentist.
Visiting the Dentist
Going to the dentist every six months for a dental cleaning can do wonders for your oral health. Not only do these cleanings benefit your teeth, but the dentist is also able to diagnose problems that can otherwise go undetected and damage your oral health. Dentists can help detect sleep apnea, oral cancer, high blood pressure, and more.
Are you overdue for a visit? To find a dentist, click here!
National Smile Month gives us the opportunity to learn how our oral health influences our everyday wellness and improves our happiness.
Looking for more tips on the connection between oral and overall health? Check out this blog: