Men can often feel the brunt of life stressors and sometimes forget to put their health first.
November 11, 2019
When it comes to adhering to a busy work schedule or providing for their families, men may turn to overdependence on caffeine, smoking tobacco products or eating an unhealthy and sugary diet. These detrimental factors can often lead to poor oral health and a lack in total body wellbeing.
To help the modern man stay in peak health, and protect his winning smile too, we have compiled ten holistic health tips for men’s health.
After eating and drinking all day, most people ensure they brush their teeth before they go to bed. Though while this is essential, a plethora of bacteria remains on our tongue, even with the most vigilant of brushing and flossing routines.
Using a specialised tongue scraper (usually made from stainless steel), stubborn bacteria are removed from the tongue. This can further prevent gum disease and tooth decay.
This ancient Ayurvedic practice has recently received more time in the limelight when it comes to holistic dental practices. It involves swishing coconut oil or sesame oil in the mouth for up to 20 minutes each morning on an empty stomach to remove toxins.
The practice is known to promote overall better oral hygiene and create an improved pH balance in the mouth.
Please note, do not oil pull if you have amalgam fillings. The oil will pull mercury into it and you will be swilling mercury oil which is not ideal.
As a man with a busy schedule, you may often reach for the nearest food available when on a tight deadline. This can often be sugary or refined foods. Both options are of significant detriment to not only your oral health but your overall health, too.
We recommend healthier snack alternatives that can be easily prepared in the morning or the night before. Some examples include vegetable crudités and hummus, sliced fruit, nuts, seeds or yogurt.
Holistic Dentistry looks at more than what goes on inside our mouths. It is a total approach that ensures optimum function for our whole body, inside and out. Maintaining a regular exercise routine is one of the best things a man can do for his health.
Recent studies have shown that exercise also plays a dramatic role in our oral health, too. Getting your sweat on can actually help preventing gum disease (periodontitis).
With a busy work/life balance and perhaps even children, getting enough z’s can be a struggle for the modern man. There is a strong link between systemic and dental health, not to mention emotional wellbeing. For this reason, getting enough sleep is crucial to maintaining your health.
We recommend mindfulness practice to better assist with sleeping patterns. As well, switching off your devices earlier in an effort to reduce screen time and prepare you for a good night’s rest may help.
If you suffer from sleep apnoea or other sleep-related conditions, Gold Coast Holistic Dental Care offers a range of treatments.
Surprisingly, water intake is a big one that men simply forget about or are ‘too busy’ to worry about. Doing something as simple as drinking up to three litres of water a day works wonders for your oral health. It assists keeping your mouth clean, rinsing away food, and preventing acidic or sugary build-up behind the teeth.
It is out of question that h20 is essential to our health – our body is made up of 60 per cent of it after all. We recommend sipping on water throughout the day and having an environmentally friendly bottle (ideally glass or at least BPA free) with you at all times.
Our bodies and mouths are designed to consume a range of wholefoods that are not only integral in keeping our smiles healthy. But it also maintains the function of our gut health as well. Eating a balanced diet of natural foods is a great way to perform at your best and supports your immune and stress levels.
We recommend eating organic where possible and opting for meals with lots of vegetables and a balance of healthy fats and protein.
Tip: Foods that are alkaline forming are not only good for your gut but great for your oral health too!
A wide range of studies have shown the impact on alcohol consumption for oral health, leading to certain types of mouth cancers and ailments.
Excessive alcohol consumption is the second most common risk factor after smoking. While moderate alcohol consumption has proven health benefits, we suggest drinking in moderation as well as leading a balanced lifestyle.
If you can tolerate dairy, then dairy can be your friend when it comes to oral health. Natural milk, cheese and yogurt contains protein, calcium, zinc, magnesium, potassium and a range of vitamins that are essential to your overall health. Dairy plays an active part in giving you the nutrients you need. Research has shown the nutrient-rich powerhouse of dairy can actually prevent tooth decay.
We know probiotics work wonders for our gut health. An increasing body of research suggests the positive effects of oral probiotics on our dental health, too. Taking a daily oral probiotic has in some studies shown to prevent plaque, manage the symptoms and severity of gingivitis, fight bad breath and possibly prevent oral cancer.
To book an appointment with Dr Sotis or one of our other dentists, please contact Gold Coast Holistic Dental Care on 07 5644 6000. Alternatively, you can book an appointment online 24/7.