Being diligent about oral care through brushing and flossing is not just important for a good-looking smile and fresh breath, it is also critical for overall health. Research has shown links between oral health and conditions such as diabetes, pregnancy complications, heart disease, and more. Because of this, it’s essential to practice good dental hygiene habits both individually and with a dentist in Wayne, NJ, such as Dr. Laurence Breiterman. If you have been deciding on New Year’s resolutions to improve your mouth and teeth, consider the following options.
Reduce Alcohol Intake
Oral cancer, which is responsible for the death of about one person in the U.S. every hour, is associated with heavy alcohol consumption. In addition, coupling tobacco usage with alcohol ingestion creates a much more serious threat than taking in either substance on its own. Therefore, taking steps to limit drinking can have positive effects on your oral health and condition in general.
Take Care of Any Sleep Issues
Oral problems can actually prevent you from sleeping at night. This is seen in cases of certain obstructive sleep disorders such as sleep apnea. If you are not getting productive sleep, or adequate amounts of sleep, seek treatment in order to nip this problem in the bud. It is well worth it, as too little sleep is linked to serious conditions such as gum disease and high blood pressure.
Manage Stress
If you are experiencing excessive amounts of stress, this will often show up in your mouth. During your regular checkup, your dentist might see it in orofacial pain, temporomandibular disorders (TMD), bruxism (teeth-grinding and jaw clenching), or other indications. To prevent these and other concerns, take steps to reduce anxiety and stress levels with activities such as counseling, meditation and yoga. You will likely notice improvements in both your oral health as well as your overall well-being.
Make sure you see your dental professional regularly for checkups. Call the office of Dr. Breiterman, your dentist in Wayne, NJ, today at (973) 988-4491 to schedule an appointment or for more information on symptoms and procedures.