It’s official; in 2017 we’re busier than ever. Between commutes to and from work, longer working hours, and working at home, we’ve simply run out of time to take care of our health.
It’s been reported that a shocking two thirds of adults are working longer hours every week, and with longer hours, comes neglect to our health. Add in our hobbies, families, and home lives, and you have a perfect environment in which dental hygiene can be overlooked.
But, in the last ten years there’s been a flood of research linking busy lives to poor oral health. Poor oral health does not just lead us to have unattractive smiles and bad breath, but we know now it can lead to much more serious health issues including type two diabetes, cancer and heart disease. Which is why this August (7-13) the Australian Dental Association’s “Dental Health Week” focuses on Oral Health for Busy Lives.
At Smiles Nambour we want to help you balance your busy lives and dental health!
What Would Happen If You Tossed Your Toothbrush For A Year?
Of course gums and teeth will suffer, but there may be even more serious consequences.
When bacteria in the mouth aren’t removed, it can also force immune systems into overdrive and create problems in other parts of the body. Bacteria under the gum line with access to the bloodline can be particularly dangerous. A dirty mouth has been linked to respiratory diseases such as pneumonia, heart attacks and even MRSA in the case of dentures. MRSA is a bacteria that can infect the bloodstream and lining of the heart.
This is why dental hygiene is important – the time we spend on it today is time we will have, in multiples, in our healthy future!
The Importance Of Diet
Good nutrition is one of the highest-impact, lowest time investment approaches we can take towards dental health. We have to shop, cook, and eat anyway, so why not spend that time buying, cooking, and eating things that are good for our bodies?
To maintain a balanced diet, eat a variety of foods from each of the five major food groups and limit how many snacks you eat. If you must snack, choose nutritious foods such as cheese, raw vegetables, plain yogurt, or a piece of fruit. And remember that foods eaten as part of a meal cause less harm because the saliva released helps wash foods from the mouth and lessen the effects of acids.
Also, don’t overindulge in sugar, high-acid foods, cigarettes, or alcohol, and you will be well on your way to improved oral hygiene.
Take Your Time At Home
It may seem obvious, but taking care of your teeth at home can help you maintain your dental health and prevent periodontal, or gum, disease from developing. It can also decrease the risk of more serious diseases including heart disease, cancer, and complications during pregnancy.
All that in only about 5 minutes a day!
Regular home care should include daily brushing and flossing. Brush thoroughly at least twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening before going to bed. Be sure to floss at least once a day.
Add tooth-scraping and mouthwash to your at-home dental care and you have a prescription for better dental and general health with almost no time commitment!
On the Go!
Before traveling, we often put together a “go” kit for dental hygiene. But in this hectic world, in which we are always on the go, it makes sense to carry a dental kit with us that we can use in our daily life.
That kit should contain:
- Brush and Paste. Compact and ready to pack anywhere, travel versions of these are your two oral “must-haves.”
- Floss. Floss (or flossers) is an easy way to rid your teeth of excess food and built-up plaque.
- Mouthwash. Mouthwash freshens you breath and rids it of bacteria.
- Sugar-Free Gum. Gum helps produce saliva – combating dry mouth. Sugar-free gum may also reduce the production of cavities.
Visit a Dentist Who Cares About Your Time!
At Smiles Nambour we want to work with your schedule. We offer same-day appointments and emergency care. We also offer Saturday hours, and for your maximum convenience there is 2-hour street parking in front of the building and easy access via public transport.
We know your time is important to you, and we respect it!
Your Trusted Dentist in Nambour
If you need a dental checkup or treatment, it’s critical to find a dentist who conveniently offers what you need. At Smiles Nambour we are happy to sit down with you and talk about any treatments you might want or need!
At Smiles Nambour, we provide top-quality dentistry with the help of cutting-edge instruments and caring staff!
A visit to your Nambour dentist is an investment in your dental health and attractive smile!
Call (07) 5441 4438 or book online today.
Same Day Appointment Available, Request it Now!