More Tips to Keep Your Teeth and Gums Healthy

Most people recognize how important it is to keep your teeth and gums healthy, but over time,
different lifestyle factors can negatively impact your periodontal health. To help
maintain healthy teeth and gums, keep these tips in mind

Strive to be stress free
Minimize the stress in your life. Research has shown that people who are having a difficult time
coping with stress can neglect their oral hygiene.1 Additionally, researchers have also associated
the hormone cortisol with periodontal disease.2 Chronic stress has been shown to increase levels of cortisol, and these increased levels can be a factor in developing periodontal disease.

Kick the tobacco habit
Tobacco use is one of the most significant risk factors in the development and progression of
periodontal disease. Tobacco’s negative effects on oral health are well documented. Most
people that have recurrent periodontal disease are smokers, and smoking is also associated
with complications after oral surgery.

Drink alcohol in moderation
Drinking the occasional glass of red wine has been shown to have positive effects on the body;
however, heavy drinking can negatively impact your oral health. Alcohol can irritate your
gums, tongue, and other oral tissues. It can also contribute to poor healing after surgery and
can halt your oral hygiene routine. In addition, heavy drinkers often suffer from tooth
decay as a result of the increased exposure to sugars and acids that are often found in alcoholic
drinks.

Stock up on healthy foods
You know that a healthy diet is important for your overall health, but it’s also very important for
your oral health! A good diet will help your immune system be at its best to help fight infections,
including periodontal disease. In addition to eating a well-balanced, nutritious diet, research has shown that both yogurt3 and green tea4 may add an extra boost to your periodontal health.

Genetics can affect oral health, too!

Family history may make a difference in your overall health, including periodontal disease.

Periodontal disease is multi-factorial, which means you can be susceptible due to

genetics as well as environmental factors such as diet and smoking. Your genes play a 

major role in the onset and severity of periodontal disease.

1. Peruzzo, DC et al. A systematic review of
stress and psychological factors as possible
risk factors for periodontal disease. J
Periodontol. 2007 Aug;78(8):1491-504.
2. Cury PR et al. Hydrocortisone Affects the
Expression of Matrix Metalloproteinases
(MMP-1, -2, -3, -7, and -11) and Tissue
Inhibitor of Matrix Metalloproteinases
(TIMP-1) in Human Gingival Fibroblasts. J
Periodontol. 2007 Jul;78(7):1309-15.
3. Shimazaki Y et al. Intake of Dairy
Products and Periodontal Disease: The
Hisayama Study. J Periodontol. 2008 Jan;79
(1):131-7.
4. Kushiyama M et al. Relationship Between
Intake of Green Tea and Periodontal
Disease. J Periodontol. 2009 Mar;80(3):
372-7.