You’re probably diligent about brushing your teeth, and maybe you even floss every day (you deserve a big pat on the back for that), but it takes more than good oral hygiene to maintain a healthy smile. There are many aspects of your life that might be affecting how well your teeth and gums function. Your dentist in Ponte Vedra Beach is here to list a few of those factors.
Smoking
Smoking gets a lot of negative attention for what it can do to your lungs, your budget, and your relationships with others. But it can also have a big impact on your oral health. It can:
- Cause severe stains on your teeth
- Lead to oral cancer
- Contribute to gum disease
- Cause tooth decay and even tooth loss
- Lead to chronic bad breath
If you smoke, we encourage you to make an effort to quit. Your physician may be able to help you find a program or medication that will get you on the road to leaving the habit behind for good. In the meantime, be sure to visit your dentist regularly so you can stay on top of any problems that your smoking may be causing in your mouth.
Obesity
Most people would like to shed a few pounds, but if you’re significantly overweight, those extra inches could be threatening your oral health. Obese individuals are at a higher risk of developing gum disease. Also, your weight increases the chances that you’ll develop diabetes, which can make gum disease more difficult to manage.
We understand that losing weight is a significant challenge, but the rewards are worth the toil. Your doctor can help you put together a diet and exercise plan that will help you shed some excess pounds in a way that is both gradual and healthy.
Your Food and Drink Habits
You might not eat a lot of candy, cake, and cookies, but you still might be taking in more sugar than you realize. For example, many flavored yogurts have a ton of the sweet stuff, as do a lot of foods that are marketed as being “fat free.” Plus, if you can’t resist your daily latte, you may be ingesting way more sugar in your morning cup of Joe than you realize.
We encourage you to be an informed consumer. Always look at the nutrition facts for what you eat and drink. When you choose to indulge, be sure to rinse your mouth with water afterward and always stick to a good routine of brushing and flossing.
Stress
Is your boss driving you crazy? Are you under a lot of financial pressure? Maybe you’re dealing with some drama in your family. The unpleasant things that are going on in your life could mess with your body from head to toe, including your teeth. You may get into the habit of bruxism (teeth grinding), which can wear away your enamel and lead to gum recession.
Your dentist can supply you with a nightguard to stop you from grinding your teeth while you sleep, but the best solution is to evaluate your life and do your best to resolve the issues that are causing the stress.
How is your oral health? If you have any of the above lifestyle factors, it may not be as good as you think.
About Us
Drs. Kristopher Harth and Eric Townsend provide a range of services to help their patients manage their oral health. If you have risk factors like the ones above, we encourage you to come in for a checkup. You can contact our office at 904-285-7711.