Good Oral Hygiene Benefits That Might Surprise You

From a very early age, your parents and dentist educate you on the importance of brushing your teeth. But it’s not just about grabbing a toothbrush and swiping at your teeth at night before bed. There are many more aspects to good oral hygiene that make this an incredibly important lesson that will benefit your good health as you advance through life.

The Importance of Proper Oral Hygiene

Reducing dental decay: While this is certainly challenging, cavities are not mandatory. Their likelihood can be lessened with an oral hygiene regimen that includes brushing twice daily (for two minutes each time) using a fluoridated toothpaste; and flossing every day to remove what your toothbrush did not reach.

Keeping biological teeth for life: No one relishes the idea of tooth loss; and the prospect of having to undergo tooth replacement at any age can be daunting. While some may be genetically challenged, for many this is very doable. Diet and lifestyle habits (like tobacco use) are going to dictate the likelihood of maintaining good oral health throughout the aging process.

Great gum health: Gum disease, in its early stages, is treatable. However, if allowed to escalate, periodontal disease can lead to the need for ongoing treatment and the possibility of tooth loss.

Poor Oral Hygiene and Your Overall Health 

Your dentist has probably educated you on the correlation between your oral health and the risks of developing life altering conditions such as diabetes, stroke, heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and certain cancers. Research continues to identify inflammation from gum disease as a component to many of these illnesses.

• Prevention is the key. A healthy mouth will certainly impact overall health. The steps to be taken to help maintain optimum oral health include:
• Daily brushing with the correct tools and technique.
• Daily flossing – probably best performed at night before bed, this step will remove debris from between teeth that your toothbrush could not reach.
• Diet and Lifestyle – What you eat and drink are important to oral health. Stay hydrated with water and learn to enjoy fresh fruits and vegetables as your “go to” snacks. Illicit drugs or tobacco use are impermissible for maintaining optimum oral health.

Visit our team at The Dental Place for cleanings and dental exams every six months or as prescribed.