Taking Care of Your Dental Health in Your Thirties and Forties

There’s no disputing that life is pretty great throughout your thirties and forties. You’ve hit your career stride, have some extra cash for adventurous holidays and fun nights out, and you’re still feeling fit with no aches or sprains to get you down. So how can there be any negative? All this great living can’t be having a negative effect on your oral health… right? Wrong.
During these years, you may be eating out regularly, enjoying a daily latte, engaging in intense physical activity (that has you reaching for a sugary sports drink) and just flopping into bed after a long day. Let’s face it. You’re busy, and often times forget about brushing and flossing your teeth. These years often encompass busy family schedules where eating on the run and helping young members of the family with homework means that parents don’t have the time or energy to devote to their own needs.
Why is Oral Health so Important?

It’s no secret that we believe great oral health is the corner-stone for optimum systemic health. Our previous blogs have spoken about the inflammatory impact oral bacteria can have on the entire body and how skipping the ever important ritual of brushing and flossing can not only lead to dental decay and gum disease, but tooth sensitivity and bad breath issues that cause embarrassment and social withdrawal.
How To Take Care of Your Teeth During Busy Times

No one is going to put their life on-hold to take care of their smile, even we know that! But there are some little tips that can keep you on the right track when it comes to taking care of your teeth – without sacrificing family, work and fun time. The first tip is to stay away from hidden (and known) sugars in sports drinks, lattes, iced coffees and energy bars. Though enjoyable, consuming these daily is literally bathing your teeth in sugar – and if you’re jumping in to bed without flossing then you’re headed for trouble. Instead, reach for water or electrolyte powders to restore energy.
Think of having some cheese in your work desk, it helps to neutralize acids the acids in your mouth, which help reduce cavity formation. Also think about keeping a toothbrush at work – as brushing after lunch will not only be appreciated by your co-workers, but will keep plaque formation under control.
As busy as life can be, don’t cancel those important trips to the dentist for a cleaning and exam. This twice yearly appointment enables your dentist to monitor the health of your mouth, which gives you something less to worry about!