Your Mouth’s New Mantra
“You get what you put in”
Have you heard? Your body and mind are a temple. So let’s focus inward for a moment, inhale through our noses, and visualize our oral care habits…
Is your temple looking a little neglected?
We get it: temples are a lot of work, and you’re just one monk (they don’t recruit like they used to). But here’s why it’s still important to take care of your smile:
We tend to think about dental health as separate from the health of our bodies. In truth, oral health has strong ties to full-body wellbeing — and you get what you put in. This is how it works:
Effect on physical health
Poor oral care goes beyond our teeth and gums. Studies show dental health can impact heart health, lung health, and even the progression of healthy pregnancies. According to Mayo Clinic, oral bacteria can play a role in the development of:
- Cardiovascular disease
- Endocarditis
- Pneumonia
- Premature birth or low weight at birth
On the other hand, taking care of our teeth, gums and tongue ensures a healthy amount of bacteria in our mouths — entering our lungs, stomachs and other systems. It also prevents the aches and pains of tooth decay that disrupt chewing, speaking and quality of everyday life.
Healthy habits are easier to maintain when you take pride in them
Habits can be hard to build and sustain. The key is to support yourself in making a bit of progress early on. Studies show early progress gives us a boost of motivation. This added spring in our step can make the difference between successfully growing healthy habits — and not forming them at all.
That’s why it’s important to start with a goal and purpose in mind. When you take pride in your oral and overall health — making it your goal to support their well-being in your everyday routine — you’re more likely to make the initial progress towards forming a long-term habit.
Regular cleanings and check-ups are essential
When it comes to good oral health, check-ups and cleanings are necessities. Because certain areas of your mouth can be hard to see or reach during your daily routine, a second pair of (trained) eyes ensures you aren’t missing areas where plaque can build. This prevents health issues before they happen and maintains the well-being of your teeth through the years — because they’re the only one’s you’ve got!
Healthy reminders for your daily routine
- Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste
- Floss once daily
- A diet low in sugar (and high in nutrients) supports a healthy oral PH
- Drinking water rinses away food particles and bacteria
- Avoid tobacco products
- Visit us at Capital Dental soon!
Conclusion
In truth, oral health and full-body health are connected. Taking pride in your smile benefits both.
If you want to improve your oral care habits, start by creating a goal for yourself. Even a little progress goes a long way! And remember: we’re always here to support you with check-ups and cleanings at Capital.
Most of all, don’t forget to smile!
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