Many people do not understand why or how they develop cavities or gum disease. Here seven keys to achieve a beautiful, confident, and healthy smile.
1 Keep gum inflammation at bay
Don’t just go to get your teeth cleaned. Every time you are in the dental office ask if you have any inflammation below the gumline. You can have it and not even know it. If you do, take whatever steps are necessary to eliminate the under the gum inflammation and then to keep it at bay
2 Know your BMI
Your body mass index (BMI) can tell you if you are overweight. If you are overweight, you are at increased risk for gum disease and other serious diseases like heart disease and diabetes.
3 Sleep well
7-8 hours of high quality sleep seems to be the ideal amount. Any less or any more may increase your risk for other diseases. Get screened for sleep apnea. If you have it, get treatment for it. Sleep apnea is a very serious condition that can lead to early death.
4 Exercise regularly
Current recommendations are 30 minutes of moderate exercise 5 days per week. If you are pressed for time, you can get similar results in shorter time using high intensity interval training. Take the stairs rather than the escalator.
5 Check your blood sugar regularly
Gum disease can be the first sign of diabetes. Catching diabetes early lessens the chance of developing the serious consequences of diabetes. A1c is an easy, painless chairside test to check your blood sugar. Everyone over 45 should have an A1c test at least every three years – more frequently if you have gum disease or other risk factors for diabetes.
6 Get your Vitamin D Checked
Vitamin is important for many functions in the body including healthy gums. Many people are chronically low in Vitamin D.
7 Nutrition: Making three changes can make a big difference:
Reduce your sugar intake Avoid foods with added sugar. Any extra sugar that you take in makes your body store fat and creates tremendous inflammation in your body.
Boost your antioxidant intake Foods that are rich in antioxidants help offset cell damage in your body. Eating foods with a high antioxidant content is an important component of living a healthy life.
Boost your intake of Omega -3’s Omega -3 fatty acids actually promote resolution of disease-causing inflammation in your body.