1. Eat an Antioxidant – Rich Diet
Antioxidants are one of your greatest defenses against aging.
Examples are berries, bell peppers, grapes and brightly colored fruits and veggies.
2. Avoid Processed foods
Many of these have added sugar and additives.
Examples are chips, processed meats, soda and canned soup.
3. Eat Omega-3 Rich Foods
Examples are salmon, tuna and sardines.
4. Drink more water
Drinking enough water can help with weight management, skin health, oral health and it also helps your body work efficiently.
5. Avoid Sugar
Sugar is the source of energy for bacteria that cause cavities. Soda and sports drinks contain both sugar and acid.
6. Avoid Grazing
Frequent snacking causes the sugar and resultant acid surge to stay in your mouth longer.
7. Understand the implications of oral health
There are many associations between your oral health and your general health.
Research shows that if you have poor oral health and unhealthy gums in particular; you have an increased risk of heart disease, stroke and diabetes.
8. Floss once daily
Flossing helps remove the plaque (bacteria) trapped between the teeth where your toothbrush can not reach. Missing these areas puts you at an increased risk of developing cavities and gum disease. Daily flossing can add 7 years to your life.
9. Brush your teeth twice daily
Use a timer. You should brush your teeth for 2 minutes. The average time a person brushes is 30 seconds.
10. Don’t avoid going to the dentist
You should have your teeth cleaned and examined every six months. Prevention is key.
Your dentist can catch problems early. Too often, people wait too long and a small problem has become a big problem.
