According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, having good oral health is essential to one’s overall wellbeing. Despite oral health’s importance, many people suffer from problems such as tooth decay, gum disease, bad breath, and more. The good news is that small changes in your oral health routine can make a big impact on your health and your smile.
“Nobody realizes how important oral health is until there is a major issue that forces them to rethink their routines,” says Los Angeles-based cosmetic dentist Dani Benyaminy, DDS, known by his patients as Dr. Dani B. “The truth is that you can have the smile of your dreams if you are willing to do the work to make it happen.”
The way we feel about our oral health has an impact on how we think of ourselves. When we feel good about the way our smile looks, we are more confident. People with poor oral health tend to have a low self-image. Because of the appearance of their teeth, they may not feel confident and tend to avoid smiling, speaking in groups, and shy away from dating or securing their dream job. The Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) reports that 18 percent of adults say that their mouth appearance and teeth have affected their ability to interview for a job.
Beyond aesthetics, severe health-related issues are linked to oral health. HRSA reports that poor oral care has been linked to health conditions in other body parts, including diabetes, heart disease, lung issues, certain cancers, dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease.
Here are some simple tips from Dr. Dani B for making oral health improvements:
- Don’t rush brushing. Those two minutes may feel like an eternity, but use the time in the morning or in the shower to do a thorough job. Listen to a song or try brushing with your non-dominant hand to help challenge your brain.
- Opt for an electric toothbrush. They are much more effective at cleaning the teeth and do a lot of manual labor for you. Also, make sure you use it correctly. You don’t brush with an electric toothbrush, you let the brush do the work, otherwise, you can harm your teeth. Guide the brush around the areas of the mouth, but let it do the labor-intensive cleaning.
- Never skip flossing. The importance of flossing cannot be understated. Keep floss everywhere: in a travel bag, in the car, in the shower, and on your nightstand so you use it liberally. Make a point to go to bed only after flossing.
- Rinse after acidic drinks. People are addicted to coffee, but it is acidic and can stain your teeth. Be sure to rinse your mouth after drinking coffee or have your iced coffee with a straw to push it past your teeth. Other acidic drinks include orange juice, apple juice, cola, and some bottled waters.
- Clean up your diet. According to the Harvard School of Public Health, our foods can significantly affect oral health. Some foods will help strengthen teeth, while others may lead to decay. It’s important to get minerals, such as phosphorus and calcium, in the diet so they help protect the teeth. Fruits and vegetables can help clean the teeth because they are high in fiber and water.
Says Dr. Dani B, “Having good oral health is imperative for our physical and psychological wellbeing.”
