For healthy teeth, you should brush and floss every day. But that is not the only thing that makes a smile look good. You may not be aware that many of the things you do every day are very bad for your mouth. 

These less well-known things, like the foods you eat and how you deal with stress, are very important for keeping your teeth and gums healthy. If you need a dentist in Chicago, IL, to help you keep your teeth in good shape, you might want to talk to a professional who can give you personalized advice and care. 

The role of your diet in your oral health. 

Your teeth and gums can get hurt by some of the things you eat and drink. Foods and drinks that are high in acid and sugar make it easy for bacteria to grow in your teeth. Cavities and gum disease can be caused by bacteria. 

1. Cut back on sweets. 

Sugary drinks and foods, like soda, candy, and juices, can make cavities worse. Bacteria in your mouth make acids when they eat sugar, which wears away your tooth enamel. 

• Pick snacks that are good for you. 

As a snack, choose whole grains, nuts, and veggies. These foods are good for you and make your mouth make more saliva, which washes away food particles and neutralizes acids. 

• Stay hydrated. 

It is very important to take in enough water. It is good for your health to drink a lot of water because it helps wash away food and germs. 

• Eat things that are high in calcium. 

Bones and teeth need calcium to be strong. Extra-strength foods, fresh vegetables, and cheese should all be eaten more often.

How stress impacts your oral health. 

When you are stressed, it can really hurt the health of your teeth. Your body can make hormones that weaken your defense system when you are anxious. Because of this, you are more likely to get sick and get infected. 

• Take care of your stress: Do yoga, meditate, deep breaths, or something else that helps you relax to feel less worried. 
• Stay away from things that stress you out: One way that can hurt your teeth and mouth is to bite or grind your teeth when you are stressed. To protect your teeth, you might want to put on a mouth guard.

The connection between sleep and oral health. 

It is very important to get enough sleep for good oral health and health in general. When you do not get enough sleep, your body makes less saliva. 

It helps get rid of germs and bits of food. Plaque can build up more, which can make gum disease and tooth damage more likely. 

• Prioritize sleep: Every night, try to sleep for 7 to 9 hours.
• Create a soothing bedtime routine: To tell your body it is time to rest, do the same things every night before bed. 

Do not underestimate the importance of regular dental checkups. 

Regular trips to the doctor are important for good oral health. These are the things your dentist can do when you visit them:

• Clean your teeth: Having a dentist clean your teeth gets rid of plaque and tartar buildup, which can damage your teeth and gums.
• Make sure your mouth health is not bad: It is easy to treat oral cancer, cavities, and gum disease quickly if they are found early.
• Provide care that keeps your teeth healthy: Your dentist can show you how to properly clean your teeth and suggest treatments that keep your teeth healthy, like fluoride treatments and tooth guards.

Make these habits a part of your daily life to improve your oral health and keep your smile healthy for a long time. Do not forget that a healthy mouth is a happy mouth!