Reasons to Smile

article by Vanelis Rivera

The dumpster fire year of 2020 brings to mind a Nat King Cole classic: “Smile though your heart is aching / Smile even though it’s breaking.” Even as 2021 ushers in new hope, some of us remain understandably skeptical. Why worry about smiling when most of the time our mouth is behind a mask? In ten months we’ve become experts at ‘smizing’ (smiling with our eyes), so that, even when our masks are off, our lips remain in hibernation. Of all the parts of our body that need the utmost attention and care at the moment, oral health is not likely a top contender. Yet, it’s precisely for these reasons that we should turn our attention to our oval-shaped cavity, especially since it tends to be vulnerable to contentious microbes. These simple oral hygiene tips and routines could be exactly what you need to turn your 2020 frown upside down.

DUH, BRUSH! 

We know it’s not rocket science, but sometimes if we’re caught in a morning rush, or are on the verge of crashing after an unexpected Netflix and chill night, our brushing routine may take a hit. Currently, the American Dental Association (ADA) encourages brushing for two minutes, twice per day, anything less won’t remove as much plaque from teeth. Guilty of rushing through this routine? Join the club! According to a 2009 study, most people only brush for close to 45 seconds. 

Some dentists, like Jessica Johnston from Drs. Jan T. Bagwell & Jessica J. Johnston, DDS, recommend brushing twice a day, though others have also recommended brushing after each meal. Either way, it is important to wait at least an hour after eating to brush your teeth, especially if you drink something acidic like orange juice. Brushing close to the time of ingesting acidic foods or drinks can remove weakened tooth enamel.

You can’t go wrong with ADA approved toothbrushes; however, soft bristles are highly recommended. Additionally, data from 51 trials have suggested that electric toothbrushes with rotating heads have proven the most effective cleaners.

FLOSSING: NOT JUST A SUGGESTION

We get it! Flossing can be a chore, and a messy one at that (depending on the tool you are using). But, flossing does a lot of heavy lifting when it comes to removing bacteria or plaque from your teeth. One of the reasons dentists like Johnston stress flossing every day is because plaque build-up can lead to swollen gums, tooth decay, cavities, or gum disease. 

If you want to get luxurious with your routine there are electric flossers on the market, but dental floss is generally a low-cost and incredibly efficient tool. The type of floss that you get will depend on individual preference. Johnston’s favorite is the Cocofloss, but also notes that any floss works. If you have gaps between your teeth opt for flosses with thicker threads like Oral-B Super Floss. Scant space between your teeth? Go for a waxed floss, which will slide into those tight spaces with little discomfort. When it comes to finding the right floss, it’s worth the trial and error, but you can always refer to your dentist for guidance. 

COCONUT OIL AND PULL

Oil pulling has roots in Ayurveda, an ancient Indian medicinal system. It involves swishing a tablespoon of oil in your mouth on an empty stomach for around 20 minutes. Traditionally, cold-pressed sunflower or sesame oil is used for this technique, but most Westerners have opted for a tastier option. Extra virgin coconut oil offers many health benefits but is mainly praised for its high content of lauric acid, which can reduce inflammation and kill bacteria. A 15-20 minute self-care routine seems extensive, especially on a busy morning, but most people oil pull while showering or making breakfast. Oil pull hack: spit the oil out onto a piece of paper and dispose of it in the trash because fatty coconut oil can clog your pipes over time.

CLEAN TONGUE, FRESH BREATH

Johnston is a “big advocate” of tongue scraping because it is a great way to reduce bacteria in the mouth, which allows for overall fresher breath. Though many toothbrushes now come with a “tongue-and-cheek cleaner,” there are tongue scraping tools on the market made with durable metals. “You can visually see buildup coming off the tongue,” Johnston says. Other benefits of this simple practice include potential improvement of the sense of taste, as well as improving the appearance of your tongue, which if left unattended can take on a white-ish coat. 

EAT FOR TEETH 

Bacteria love sugar! So the more starchy foods we eat, the more we supply these sweet-toothed microbes, encouraging them to have a party in our mouth. And, the better fed the bacteria, the more acid they produce, which consequently weakens tooth enamel. If you need to snack throughout the day, opt for carb-free options or rinse your mouth with water after eating. 

What you add to your diet can also give a significant pep to your oral care step. Eating mineral-rich foods can help replenish useful minerals like calcium and phosphate in a process called remineralization. Keep teeth strong with foods like: 

● Organic bone broth
● Eggs
● Grass-fed meats and poultry
● Dark leafy greens
● Mushrooms
● Himalayan salt

VISIT YOUR LOCAL DENTIST!

Whether you think you have a stellar dental care routine or not, visiting the dentist is an absolute must! The ADA recommends visiting your local dentist regularly. Johnston recommends at least twice a year. Think of it as an essential spa day for your mouth. Northeast Louisiana has a plethora of dental care professionals to choose from, so don’t skip a visit. Regular check ups not only provide an immaculate cleaning, but could address any problem areas before they become painful or complicated. 

It’s 2021, and that means we should keep on trying because, as Nat King Cole sings, there’s definitely no use in crying. Finding time to give some love to one of our hardest working mechanisms is one step in much needed self-care, especially when life seems to be weighing you down from all directions. After all, “You’ll find that life is still worthwhile / If you just smile.”