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Good overall health is about far more than just taking plenty of exercise and having a healthy diet. It also means taking care of your mouth as this is effectively a window to the rest of your body. When you have a healthy mouth, your body can fight infection and disease more easily.

A healthy mouth is your first line of defence because it includes lymphoid tissue and your tonsils, and it’s their job to recognise harmful bacteria and to fight infection. If you fail to take care of your mouth, it increases your risk of developing respiratory diseases, cardiovascular disease and diabetes complications increases. Also, common dental diseases like a toothache or a dental injury can negatively impact your quality-of-life and your ability to eat drink and talk comfortably.

Protecting Your Oral Health

Even if you haven’t looked after your mouth in the past, it’s never too late to begin. Make sure you brush your teeth at least twice a day using fluoride toothpaste, and floss once-a-day because this removes harmful plaque bacteria from areas that you cannot reach with your toothbrush. Don’t smoke, as this can stain your teeth and gives you bad breath, and it can cause oral cancer. Regular six-monthly checkups and cleanings are the cornerstones of any good preventative dental care plan.

Summer is the perfect time for going to the beach, having barbecues and just generally enjoying the great weather. During the summer, it’s easy to get plenty of vitamin D, which helps to boost your immune system and allows your body to absorb calcium more easily, protecting your teeth and bones. However, there are still some risks, so follow our easy tips to keep your mouth in great shape.

1. Look after your lips as the skin is very thin and can easily become burned. Use a sunscreen specially designed for lips and reapply it regularly.
2. If cold drinks or ice cream cause your teeth to twinge, you may have sensitive teeth. Using toothpaste for sensitive teeth can help, but you must use it for several weeks to get the full effect. If your teeth are still sensitive, come and see us in case you have a dental issue needing treatment.
3. Choose sugar-free drinks instead of soft drinks. Diet drinks can also be bad for teeth because they tend to contain acid that erodes tooth enamel. Ideally, sip on water to keep you hydrated.
4. Many people are more active during the summer and play sports, but these carry the risk of an injury that could crack or even knock out a tooth. Make sure you wear a well-fitting mouthguard and don’t forget we can provide you with a custom mouthguard for maximum protection.
5. Lastly, resist the urge to use your teeth as tools. Using them to open bottles or packets can chip or crack them. The result can be painful and costly to put right, so it’s far cheaper to reach for the proper tools.

The New Year is a great time to make resolutions, so why not make one that you will improve your dental health? The great thing about this resolution is that it will almost certainly help your general health too!

1. Eat More Fruits and Vegetables

Fruits and vegetable contain many valuable nutrients that can help improve gum health. They are rich in antioxidants that can enhance your body’s ability to fight infection and disease, protecting your teeth and gums. The summer is the perfect time to eat more fresh fruit and veggies.

2. Quit Smoking

Always a popular resolution but make this the year you succeed. Smoking stains your teeth, and you are twice as likely to lose your teeth to gum disease. Even using smokeless tobacco can harm your dental health.

3. Don’t Drink Too Much Alcohol

People who drink too much alcohol will often have a poor diet and neglect their oral hygiene. The effect is even worse if they smoke too. Have a glass of water between each drink or consider quitting entirely for a while.

4. See Your Dentist Regularly for Checkups and Cleans

Coming to see us twice yearly is crucial for good oral health, so why not get ahead and book your appointments now.