Most of us try to stay healthy by being active—whether it’s spending time in the gym, swimming pool or with a personal trainer. But while moving your body is great, don’t forget about your oral health, which is an important part of your overall well-being. In fact, good dental health is part of your overall well-being, and certain conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and stress can be risk factors for gum problems.
Here are three ways to keep your smile—and your body—healthy:
1. Dial in your nutrition
The old saying, “you can’t outrun a bad diet” remains as true as ever. Sugary foods not only make it harder to maintain a healthy weight, but they’re also harmful for dental health. Naturally occurring bacteria in your mouth can cause plaque and tartar. The bacteria consume sugars and produce acid that can cause cavities.
Instead, try eating more whole foods including proteins, complex carbohydrates for energy and dietary fibre to support digestion. Crunchy fruits like apples and pears, as well as raw vegetables such as celery, are especially good for your teeth. Their texture helps scrape away sugars, while the chewing stimulates saliva production. Your saliva is a natural mouthwash, washing away food particles and even providing minerals like calcium for strong teeth.
2. Practice a good oral care routine
Many factors affect oral health beyond just brushing. Coffee, sports drinks and other acidic beverages can weaken enamel. Fortunately, simple habits like brushing at least twice a day and flossing daily can help prevent damage.
Consider using products backed by science, such as the Colgate Total Active Prevention System. When used together twice daily, the toothpaste, mouthwash and toothbrush fight the root cause of common oral health issues such as gingivitis, plaque and tartar.
3. Consult the experts
Correct brushing and flossing go a long way, but professional care is still necessary. Just like you schedule checkups with your doctor, book dentist visits every six months.
Dentists and hygienists provide thorough cleanings to remove tartar and stains, and can also monitor your mouth for early signs of cavities, or gum disease. Be sure to mention any sensitivity or pain right away—catching problems early makes them easier to treat. To stay consistent, book your next visit before leaving the office and sign up for reminders. Learn more tips to care for your oral health at colgate.ca.
Smile Care Do’s & Don’ts: From Chai Breaks to Family Feasts
| Do | Don’t |
| Eat a balanced diet with staples like lentils, beans, leafy greens, and fresh produce. | Eat too many fried snacks or sweets like jalebi, ladoos, or gulab jamun between meals. |
| Enjoy crunchy fruits and raw veggies (apples, pears, celery, carrots) to help clean teeth. | Snack continuously on sticky dried fruits like dates or raisins, which cling to teeth. |
| Rinse your mouth with water after meals, chai, or turmeric-rich dishes, to reduce staining. | Sip sweetened chai, coffee, or soft drinks throughout the day, which increases acid exposure. |
| Stay hydrated with plain water to keep saliva flowing and neutralize acids. | Skip water in favour of too much tea or coffee, which can dehydrate the mouth. |
| Floss daily to remove food particles (especially from fibre-rich foods like spinach or meat). | Assume brushing alone will remove food caught between teeth. |
| Use science-backed products like the Colgate Total Active Prevention System toothpaste, mouthwash and toothbrush products twice daily. | Stick only to home remedies (like clove oil or salt rinses) without consistent daily care. |
| Visit your dentist every six months for cleanings, stain removal and early detection. | Wait until pain or sensitivity becomes severe before seeking care. |
