Developing A Wellness Routine: Dental Health Begins At Home

This post is part of a sponsorship with the American Dental Association. The routine and tips below are my own.

As a nutritionist, and new mama, one of the biggest routines I try to implement with my clients and in my home is an overall wellness plan that is easy to stick with day in and day out with a busy schedule. 

As you know, I’m a big proponent of full body wellness, so when I got the chance to partner with the American Dental Association on their dental health campaign, I jumped at the chance because I fully believe so much of our body’s overall health begins in our mouth.

​And that begins in the kitchen. 

How we structure our diet, how we plan our meals, and our choices for snacking both at home and on the go, it all plays a role in our oral health. 

I’m going to share with you my daily routine when it comes to helping my teeth stay in tip top shape. 

Upon waking I make sure to drink a room temperature 4 oz. glass of filtered water with a small squeeze of lemon to get my digestion going, as digestion also begins in the mouth. For breakfast I focus on protein to help fuel me with energy for work and mom life. This is usually a couple of eggs, fresh fruit for fiber (juice isn’t the best choice for your teeth or your sugar levels) and a gluten-free whole grain with a healthy fat, such as coconut butter or avocado oil. Well rounded and healthy are your goals for breakfast. 
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After breakfast I head to the powder room to complete my morning beauty routine which includes washing my face, moisturizing, flossing and brushing my teeth. I always look for the ADA seal when choosing my toothbrush and a natural fluoridated toothpaste. 

As the day goes on, and energy levels dip, remember to limit your sugar intake. This applies to both snacks and beverages. It can be tempting to grab a soda or coffee, or a sugary snack to boost productivity but that can just lead to unwanted sugar crashes, weight gain over time and dental problems. 

When I feel my energy waning, opting for a sparkling, ice cold water with natural fruit helps to wake me up, as does a brisk walk, a mug of green tea or, if time permits, a short cat nap. 

For my lunch and snacks I turn to fresh veggies, grain bowls or nut and seed based options for protein and additional fiber to keep me satiated until dinner. And when dinner rolls around, it's a balance throughout my week. A mix of protein, vegetables, grains and the occasional splurge such as vegan pizza or homemade tacos find their way to our plates. I also believe in treats in moderation when it comes to not banning dessert from our culinary vocabulary.

Because I believe in this balance, it's important for me to have a nightly routine as well. This includes washing my makeup off from the day, taking a little time to read and wind down and making sure I clean between my teeth and brush well before turning out the lights. The ADA recommends cleaning between your teeth daily and brushing with fluoride toothpaste twice daily. This is easy to accomplish when it becomes part of your routine. 

In addition, I also schedule out our families dental cleanings at the beginning of the year, so that we don't forget or let too much time pass in between visits. It's also helpful to check in with your dentist regularly if you have questions or need help creating a routine of finding the right dental products for you and your lifestyle, because every mouth is different and everyone has different needs. 

Like with anything that's important to your health, implementing new routines can seem daunting. Taking it one day at a time and staying focused on the big picture (good dental health and overall body wellness), can help keep you motivated. 

For more on information from the American Dental Association or to find a dentist in your area, visit the American Dental Association online.

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of the American Dental Association.

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