New Ways to Save your Lovely Smile

NEW WAYS TO SAVE YOUR LOVELY SMILE

1. Milk it

Getting as little as 2 oz of dairy- including milk, cheese and yogurt- every day may reduce your risk of gum disease, according to recent studies. Calcium helps keep your teeth and jawbones strong, some dairy products also contain lactic acid, which may fight off harmful bacteria.

2. Take a breather

When you're stressed, your body pumps out extra amounts of the hormone cortisol and high levels have been associated with gum disease (not to mention high blood pressure, decreased bone density and increased belly fat). Research shows that exercise and deep breathing can help you relax and lower cortisol levels.

3. Consider fluoride treatments

They're not just for kids. If you're prone to cavities, or have dry mouth or high levels of bacteria in your mouth, the American Dental Association says you may benefit from having fluoride professionally applied to your teeth. Ask your dentist if this is something you should consider, and how often you might need it (every 3,6 or 12 months, depending on your oral health). Drinking fluoridated tap water regularly can also reduce your risk of tooth decay.

4. Chew sugarless gum

It's no substitute for brushing, but chewing gum breaks up the cavity- causing plaque that otherwise sticks to your teeth. Chewing also increases saliva flow, helping to flush plaque away. Biting into an apple (for another crunchy fruit or vegetable) is another way to physically remove plaque from the surface of your teeth.

Seeing your dentists regularly keeps your whole body healthy. Research has linked poor oral health to diabetes, heart disease, stroke, preterm birth and low-birthweight babies.