Thursday, May 31st marks World No Tobacco Day, a World Health Organization-backed program designed to raise awareness around negative health effects of tobacco consumption, and encourage smokers to abstain for 24 hours to help kick the habit. In 1949, two researchers began studying lung cancer patients at a London hospital, and found that out of 649 cases, only two were non-smokers. This research took the health world by storm, and over 60 years later, it’s common knowledge just how detrimental smoking can be to our health and longevity.
Whether you’re setting goals to quit smoking, have recently made whole body health a priority, or you’re just looking for the latest tips and tricks, we’re sharing 5 ways to preserve your health in honor of World No Tobacco Day.
1. Prioritize your Dental Health
It’s no secret that this one hits home when it comes to smoking tobacco. If you’re a former smoker or still smoking regularly, brushing and flossing is not nearly enough. Smoking can lead to tooth staining, tooth decay and bone loss, as well as disease of the gums, tongue, and throat. Smoking increases the risk of oral cancer, and is shown to delay healing time after oral surgery.
Every patient should visit their dentist regularly for cleanings and more frequent visits are recommended for current or former smokers. Your dentist is trained to identify early signs of infection or disease, and recommend the right processes and procedures to combat symptoms at the onset.
Be sure to make dental health a priority by brushing and flossing twice per day, and make sure your toothpaste is formulated with fluoride. Ultimately, your mouth is the gateway to your body, and it’s important that you take care for your overall health.
2. Drink More Water
There’s 101 reasons to drink plenty of water every day. From increasing your energy, to helping digestion, boosting immune system function, improving joint and muscle health, and improving your complexion, water benefits virtually every inch of your body. And fluoridated water helps fight cavities and keep your mouth clean over sugary drinks or juices. Particularly for smokers, drinking water helps to flush harmful toxins out of your body, so be sure to drink up.
3. Drink Less Alcohol
While a glass of your favorite red wine or a pour of a whiskey might sound like a way to wind down, it’s not any help to boosting your health. Regular alcohol consumption damages critical organs in your body, including your brain, liver, stomach, and kidneys. Alcohol also puts you at risk for cancers and liver disease. When it comes to alcohol and your health, always consume responsibly and in moderation.
When it comes to alcohol and your oral health, the research is overwhelming. Those who consume alcohol regularly have higher plaque levels, increased tooth staining, and are three times more likely to suffer from tooth loss. Research also shows that the chance of oral cancer in those who drink when compared to those who don’t is six times higher. When you do consume alcoholic beverages, remember to brush your teeth well and drink plenty of water to prevent dry mouth and alcohol sugars from damaging your teeth and gums.
4. Get Your Annual Exams
"Be sure to make dental health a priority by brushing and flossing twice per day, and make sure your toothpaste is formulated with fluoride."
When life gets hectic and busy, keeping up with your appointments can take the back seat. But even in your early 20s, your doctors can start to detect long-term health ailments, and provide guidance for lifestyle changes and healthy habits that can add years to your life. Consider making your general care, optometrist, dental, and other essential doctor’s appointments in advance, so you can plan your day around them.
When you go into your appointment, be empowered to ask questions and request special exams or tests if needed. The best way to preserve your health is to be proactive, and your medical and dental practitioners can be your primary resource.
5. Remember, You Are What You Eat
When it comes to your health, you’ll get out of your body what you put in. Balance your diet with leafy greens, fresh fruits, vitamins and minerals, proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats. Make it a habit to check nutrition labels when you’re grocery shopping to look out for harmful added chemicals, colorings, preservatives, and sugars. Limit your salt intake, which is shown to lead to strokes and heart disease over the long term.
And when it comes to keeping your oral health in mind, limiting refined sugars and sticking to a vitamin-rich diet is important. Calcium, naturally found in dairies and veggies like kale and broccoli, is the cornerstone vitamin to strong teeth and bones. If you do indulge in a sugary snack, be sure to brush your teeth afterwards to avoid plaque formation and tooth decay.
World No Tobacco day reminds us of how important it is to take care of our health. We help thousands of people find access to affordable dental practitioners nationwide. Remember, be proactive with your oral health, and on May 31st, and everyday, take important steps to improve and preserve your overall health.