Did you know the most important reason for good oral hygiene has nothing to do with your teeth? Find out how vital taking care of your teeth can be for you and your whole body.
Healthy teeth: Although genetics play a large role in whether or not you get cavities, regular brushing and preventative dental care help keep your teeth and gums healthy. Brushing removes the plaque that causes tooth decay and stimulates your gums to help prevent gum disease.
Disease detection: A key component to proper oral hygiene is regular visits to your dentist. Do you go every six months? You should! Your dentist can detect a whole lot more than cavities from looking in your mouth. Among the problems and diseases they can discover with a thorough examination are:
· Vitamin deficiencies
· Acid reflux
· Tooth grinding
· Diabetes
· Osteoporosis
· Heart problems
· Dementia
· Mental health issues
· Oral cancers
Disease prevention: Infections that start in your mouth can lead to even worse health concerns. For example, gingivitis is a common inflammation of the gums. It can develop into periodontitis, a much more serious infection that can cause tooth loss. Infections that start in your mouth have even been linked to such complications and disease as:
· Asthma
· Arthritis
· Premature births
· Low birth babies
· Respiratory problems
· Coronary artery disease
· Stroke
Untreated tooth and gum disease can even lead to death! So what exactly is good dental hygiene and how do you make sure you’re doing all you can? Follow a few basic rules:
· Eat healthy and avoid sugary snacks
· Don’t use tobacco products
· Rinse your mouth out after meals or chew sugarless gum”
· Brush at least twice a day
· Protect your teeth with a mouth guard during athletics
· Have your dentist apply sealant to your children’s teeth
· Get regular dental exams
Call us today if you have any questions you can request an appointment on line.
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