Celebrate Men's Grooming Day with a healthy mouth
SUMMARY: On August 16, Men's Grooming Day is the perfect excuse to revamp your oral health regimen and maintain a pristine mouth.
Posted: August 13, 2013
While it used to be too feminine for men to get dressed up in their fanciest duds, do their hair and follow the trends, the times have changed and men across the country embrace the ability to look their finest. Friday August 16 is Men's Grooming Day, and males should take this opportunity to leave the house in style. But remember, grooming isn't just about the clothes you wear, your haircut and meticulously trimmed facial hair, it also goes for your oral health care. Follow these tips to be well-groomed and feeling great:
Maintain a healthy diet
You know that fruits and vegetables are essential for a healthy physique, but did you also know that they play a major role in the condition of your mouth? Fresh produce contains vitamins, antioxidants and other bacterial fighting properties. By consuming large amounts of leafy greens, citrus and berries, you are fighting the anaerobic bacteria in your mouth without even realizing it. Plus, more abrasive produce like celery, carrots and apples have the natural ability to get rid of dental plaque buildup on the teeth.
Skip the sugar
While you're at it, you might want to cut down on the amount of sugar you consume. Sugar is what attracts anaerobic bacteria in your mouth – you know, the stuff you fought so hard to get rid of with your fresh fruits and vegetables. Sweet treats promote tooth decay and dental plaque, which will greatly affect your pearly whites! If you find yourself with a sugar craving more often than not, try things like dark chocolate, frozen fruit bars and other naturally-sweetened things.
Everyone knows that a healthy mouth begins with brushing, but flossing is equally important. Regularly flossing the teeth will get rid of dental plaque accumulation around the gum line, which causes bleeding and inflammation. These are the first signs of gum disease.
Get rid of the alcohol
No we don't mean cocktails – although, alcohol does dry you out. Make sure you are choosing an alcohol-free mouthwash to rinse after you brush and floss. Some people overlook the importance of a mouthwash, but traditional rinses can actually cause more problems than they combat. While it will kill bacteria, it will also cause dry mouth, which traps bacteria in the mouth. It's best to opt for an alcohol-free option that won't be drying, but will also fight gum disease, tooth decay and bad breath.