Both your oral health and overall health are linked – in more ways than one. As much as your oral health could affect your health as a whole, the lifestyle that you lead is going to have a profound effect on your oral health – and may even contribute to some of the issues that you face.
That is why one of the often overlooked ways in which you can improve your oral health is by adopting a healthier lifestyle. Although any improvements to your lifestyle to make it healthier will be positive, there are a few areas in particular in which it should help to dramatically improve your oral health:

 

• Cutting down on sugar

Sugar is a big problem for teeth (as most people know), and it is one of the main culprits involved in tooth decay, gum disease, and other issues. The more you’re able to cut down on the sugar that you consume, the better off your teeth will be. Ideally you should try to aim for a balanced diet – with all the necessary nutrients and minerals to help strengthen your teeth.

 

• Avoiding tobacco and alcohol

Both tobacco and alcohol are bad for your health in numerous ways – and your oral health is not excluded. If you’re consuming alcohol regularly then your mouth is going to be dehydrated which can lead to an increased risk of cavities. At the same time, smoking is worse – as it can directly affect your gums, stain your teeth, and even lead to other issues such as oral cancer.

 

• Exercising regularly

By exercising regularly and improving your blood flow and overall health you will indirectly improve your oral health too. A healthier body that is in good shape will be able to fight off infections and other issues much more effectively than an unhealthy body.

 

• Consulting a dentist about medication side effects

Some medications can have unpleasant side effects, including potentially staining your teeth or drying your mouth to the point where it becomes susceptible to tooth decay or bad breath. If you feel the medication you’re taking is having any such side effect, talk to your dentist or doctor and see if there’s a better alternative. Or failing which, at least you’ll be aware that it is an issue and can compensate accordingly.

 

Make no mistake, all these lifestyle changes can certainly help out – but you also need to focus on your oral hygiene regimen. By making changes on both fronts, you’ll find that the overall risk that you face is reduced and you’re less susceptible to oral health problems in the future.

 

If you aren’t sure or need some advice you can always visit a dentist to find out more about what you can do to improve your oral health. In fact, you may even be able to get several pointers regarding your specific oral health status and how you can fix any areas that could potentially become problems in the future.

The Bristol Dental Practice
1 Queen Square,
Bristol
BS1 4JQ