Personal lifestyle choices play a central role in your oral health. The impact of dietary choices and smoking, in particular, should not be understated. In fact, it is well established by researchers that improving diet and eliminating harmful habits such as smoking has a positive impact on oral and overall health. In this blog, Ipswich Family Dental explores how lifestyle habits influence the health of teeth, and the ways in which healthier choices can reduce the chance of tooth decay and gum disease. Read on and contact us to book an appointment.
Dietary Habits
What we choose to eat has consequences for our teeth and gums. Sticky, sugary foods, highly processed foods and acidic fruits and beverages greatly increase the risk of tooth decay. While plaque and tartar buildup is a serious concern, harmful foods also weaken the tooth enamel and compromise the structure of your teeth.
Ipswich Family Dental recommends adding beneficial foods like apples, raw vegetables, leafy greens and yoghurt to your diet. When combined with effective dental hygiene practices, it is possible to stop or even reduce the negative effects of a poor diet.
Smoking and Oral Health
The results are in on the impact of smoking and oral health; it has been proven to lead to tooth discoloration, gum disease, gum recession and a higher risk of oral cancer.
The Link Between Diet and Smoking
Studies show that there is a direct link between diet and smoking. Researchers found that the health of people who smoke is not only impacted by the act of smoking, but by the dietary choices they make. Results indicate that smokers adopt unhealthy patterns of food intake, typically consuming more sugar, fat and fewer critical nutrients and vitamins.
Smokers are more likely to develop dry mouth syndrome, which is a condition that encourages the growth of bad bacteria. If the same individual also has a high-sugar, low-nutrient diet, the body’s natural defence mechanism that inhibits bad bacteria is also likely to function less optimally.
Dental Tips for Better Oral Health
The effect of smoking combined with a poor diet is likely to affect oral health significantly, leading to gum disease, dry mouth syndrome, and more.
Here are some useful dental tips to improve oral health:
- Reduce intake of sugary, acidic and processed foods
- Consume more fruits and vegetables
- Stay hydrated for better oral health
- Include leafy greens, nuts and fatty fish
- Consume fermented foods like yoghurt to regulate the balance of bacteria in the mouth
- Quit smoking to prevent gum disease, tooth decay and dry mouth syndrome
Good dental clinics, such as Ipswich Family Dental, are committed to providing patients with the information they need to take back control of their dental health.
Personalised Advice From Dental Hygiene Professionals
Contact Ipswich Family Dental online for information on how you can protect your teeth and gums by making minor adjustments to your lifestyle. Schedule a dental check-up or call us to improve your oral health and hygiene.
