When you think of a healthy lifestyle, what initially comes to mind? Is it diet or perhaps exercise? Did it ever occur to you that visiting your family dentist in South Florida is part of it? While following a healthy diet and working out as much as you can help keep your body healthy, you must also pay enough attention to your oral health. Studies show that your oral health is directly linked to your overall health. To protect your body, you must ensure that your mouth is disease-free.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over 30.8 million American adults are smoking cigarettes. Research shows that smoking can stain and discolor your teeth because of the tar and nicotine in cigarettes. However, discoloration is not the only thing you should worry about. Smoking has also been linked to tooth loss, decreased blood flow to the gums and teeth, and oral cancer.
Alcohol is one of the major contributors to premature enamel erosion. Besides the acids and sugars in alcoholic drinks, people who drink too much usually go straight to bed, forgetting to brush their teeth. This leaves their vulnerable teeth exposed to harmful acids, increasing their risk of tooth decay.
Stress is the root cause of almost all diseases, so it’s essential to learn how to manage it. It has been found that stress can lead to teeth and gum problems. Some people even develop cold ulcers and mouth ulcers because of it.
Another issue linked to stress is teeth grinding. Certain people unconsciously grind and clench their teeth as a stress coping mechanism. Unfortunately, if left untreated, it can develop into TMD or TMJ disorder (Temporomandibular disorder).
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If you want to learn lifestyle habits that can improve your oral health, we can help. At TLC Dental, we are proud to offer dental services and patient education so you can maintain good oral health while you’re at home. Contact us today to book an appointment.
