A new year means new resolutions, but don’t forget to add improve my oral health to your list! Instead of giving yourself more things to do, consider taking away certain things to improve your oral hygiene. Consider the following factors that can decrease your oral health considerably:
Breathing Through Your Mouth
Did you know that breathing through your mouth makes you more vulnerable to decay, sleep apnea, snoring, and respiratory infections? If possible, breathe through your nose while you’re awake and while you’re asleep. Your tongue should stay at the roof of your mouth and your lips should be together.
Flossing Incorrectly
If you’re flossing daily, we applaud you! But, make sure you’re flossing correctly. Simply flossing between two teeth won’t produce optimal results. To floss correctly, guide the floss in a “C” shape between your teeth and slide it under the gumline. This is very important since plaque can build up under the gums which causes gum disease.
Drinking Too much Soda
The sugar and acidity in soda eats away at your teeth’s enamel. Your teeth are not the only part of your mouth that is affected; your gums are negatively affected as well. Did you know that the more water you drink, the more your body craves it? So, try drinking water instead of soda for a few weeks. Your oral health (and overall health) will improve drastically!
Using Tobacco Products
The tar and nicotine in tobacco products are detrimental to your oral health. Both ingredients weaken your gums and teeth which makes them more susceptible to infections and diseases. Take strides today to quit smoking to improve your health-related quality of life.
If you’ve developed a mouth disease, Dr. Tomlinson can help. Schedule an appointment with Athens Oral Surgery Center today. We wish you a very happy new year!