It’s Oral Health Month, and we’re here to tell you why a healthy mouth is essential to your overall health and how to stay proactive on all fronts. Of course, you should brush, floss, and visit your dentist every six months for a healthy mouth, but did you know that’s only the start? Many factors play a role in your oral health. Let’s look at the main ones affecting most of the population. 

Everything you eat or drink enters your mouth and goes through your esophagus, stomach, small intestine, and large intestine. This means that the food you eat directly affects all of these organs. So, not only is it crucial to transfer nutrients through healthy foods to keep these organs functioning efficiently and effectively, but it’s also essential you set your body up for success through proper oral health practices. Without good oral hygiene, the built-up bacteria can lead to tooth decay, gum disease, and issues in your digestive and respiratory tracts. Starting with healthy food and hygienic practices will go a long way in ensuring the health of your mouth, teeth, gums, and many of your organs. 

In addition, saliva helps wash away food and acid produced by bacteria in your mouth, decreasing your chances of many diseases and oral health issues. Unfortunately, some medications, such as decongestants, antihistamines, diuretics, antidepressants, and painkillers, reduce saliva flow and cause dry mouth. When your body produces little saliva, it’s harder to wash away the bacteria, and you become more susceptible to diseases like periodontitis. 

There are a few ways to counteract the feeling of dry mouth, but the most effective is to sip water throughout the day. In addition, you should limit your caffeine intake, never smoke or chew tobacco, discontinue the use of mouthwash with alcohol and opt for an alcohol-free wash, and chew sugar-free gum – this stimulates saliva flow. While dry mouth isn’t technically a symptom of poor oral health techniques, it adversely affects your oral health. 

Poor oral health can lead to other health issues, such as endocarditis, cardiovascular disease, pneumonia, and pregnancy or birth complications. 

This June (and every month after), ensure that a healthy mouth is your priority. Brush for at least two minutes twice daily, floss, use mouthwash, visit your dentist regularly, and watch what you eat; sugary food and drinks can significantly impact your oral and overall health. If you’re due for a cleaning, schedule an appointment at Cakmes Dental Studio. We’re happy to get you on the right track and ensure your oral health is helping your overall health.

You know that what you eat has an impact on your oral health. For example, sugary food and drinks create acid, which mixes with bacteria in your mouth, leading to tooth decay and diminished enamel. There are also foods that help clean your teeth as you eat them. Read on to see what they are! 

Apples. 

Apples are incredibly fibrous, acting as a toothbrush as they clean plaque and food particles off of your teeth. The fiber is found in the skin of the apples, so make sure you leave it on! In addition, the acid in apples works to kill bacteria that cause bad breath, so next time you want to chew on a piece of gum, opt for an apple instead! 

Carrots. 

Carrots, like apples, are fibrous and clean your teeth as you eat them. Since carrots are hard and take little work to chew, they also stimulate saliva production. Saliva helps wash out bacteria in your mouth, creating a healthier and cleaner environment. In addition, carrots are an excellent source of Vitamin A. One serving provides almost 200% of your daily value, which means that a serving of carrots daily can aid in your vision, growth, immunity, gum, and enamel health! 

Spinach and Kale. 

Leafy greens, particularly spinach and kale, and low in calories and high in fiber. As with apples and carrots, the high fiber content helps clean your teeth as you eat, but these leafy greens are also chock-full of vitamins that can help your entire body. For example, kale has more vitamin C, vitamin K, and calcium than spinach, but spinach has more iron, vitamin A, vitamin E, zinc, and folate. Calcium strengthens teeth and enamel, while vitamin A supports gum and enamel health. 

These fruits and vegetables can be found at any grocery store, or farmer’s market year-round and are full of so many nutrients that it would be a shame to pass them up! Try to incorporate these into your daily meals, and you should notice improvements in your health and teeth. If you have any questions about this or any other suggestions we make, give us a call. At Cakmes Dental Studio, we love teaching our patients tricks of the trade to keep a healthy mouth. Fortunately, eating fruits and veggies like these is almost too easy!