4 Unexpected Ways You Can Enhance Your Oral Health

We all know the common, traditional ways that we can improve our oral health. Brushing twice per day, flossing, and rinsing with mouthwash are the three primary habits we use to ensure that our smiles stay bright and strong. However, there are other things we can do to enhance our smiles, and for the most part, not many people know about them. Explore these four activities that can improve your oral health and see which may be right for you.

1. Oil Pulling

A remedy that began in India, oil pulling has legitimate evidence supporting the benefits it provides for your teeth. First, choose an oil – coconut, sesame, or olive oils are the most common, but others may produce similar results as well. Oil pulling is a simple process that works by swishing oil around in your mouth for around 10-20 minutes. Doing this produces an impressive list of benefits for your oral health, including whitening your teeth and killing bacteria.

2. Practicing Yoga

Yoga is a fitness craze that is rapidly rising in popularity in America. In addition to its fitness and relaxation benefits, there are also ways that yoga can strengthen your oral health. For example, yoga provides the advantages of lowering your stress and blood pressure, which decrease bruxism and the need for medications that can cause dry mouth. Plus, yoga is especially valuable for preventing TMJ issues as it helps people to greatly improve their posture.

3. Chew Xylitol Gum

Since xylitol gum is readily available and inexpensive, many will find this to be the easiest action on the list. While sugar harms the teeth, xylitol is a sweetener that is proven to help teeth in various ways. The most important contribution xylitol makes towards your oral health is that it prevents bacteria from sticking to your teeth. Whether you get your xylitol in gum form, as a mouthwash, or as an actual sweetener, consider using it during the day to freshen and clean your teeth.

4. Make Smile-Healthy Snacks a Habit

All of us can name foods that are detrimental to your oral health, but how many foods can you name that can actually clean your teeth and boost your smile? Check out this list of foods that each yields remarkable benefits for your oral health:

• Carrots
• Apples
• Cheese
• Leafy Greens
• Celery
• Almonds

Whether you make a “Dental Food Day” once per month where you focus on eating foods that are excellent for your teeth or if you gradually incorporate them into each meal, these are foods that play an active role in keeping your smile strong and healthy.

How Do Your Daily Habits Affect Your Oral Health?

It’s interesting how some of the activities we choose to engage in may provide benefits without us even realizing it. It’s great to know the fundamentals of oral care at home, but understanding some of the secondary ways to care for your teeth can be the key to keeping your smile strong and healthy. Consider trying these methods to give your smile extra attention this year, and when you’re ready for your next dental appointment, give Dr. Grubb a call in Havre de Grace, MD.