6 Reasons to Prioritize Good Oral Hygiene

Before we delve deep into the importance of maintaining proper oral health, let us first understand the basics of oral hygiene. By practicing good oral hygiene with regular brushing and flossing, you can prevent tooth decay and infections. To promote optimal oral hygiene, doctors also strongly advise scheduling dental examinations and cleanings at least twice a year.

Maintaining oral hygiene defines our overall health and well-being. According to studies, untreated oral disorders may raise the likelihood of serious health issues such as cancers. Furthermore, many secondary disorders can be caused or exacerbated by oral health issues. A good oral and dental care routine will help you avoid a myriad of issues, such as bad breath, cavities, and the probability of losing teeth as you age. Healthy eating and adopting good dental hygiene are crucial to one’s physical and mental health.

Reasons for Prioritizing Oral Health

The following section details some of the  benefits of taking care of your teeth and gums

Impacts general health

Dental and general health are directly proportional. Early signs of systemic disorders can be observed in the mouth. Diabetic complications, such as lesions in the mouth or gum disease, are often the first signs of a more serious underlying medical condition.

Harvard studies have found an increased risk of cardiovascular disease in persons with periodontal infection. According to one study, the periodontal disorder makes your body more prone to inflammation. Arterial inflammation is one possible consequence of the widespread effects of chronic inflammation on the body.

Taking care of one’s teeth and gums reduces the risk of severe health problems. Additionally, it is recommended to visit the dentist every six months for a checkup to maintain optimal oral hygiene and wellness.

Reduces the risk of tooth decay

Tooth loss is the most typical dental issue as we age. Not taking proper care of one’s teeth is a significant contributor to the problem of tooth loss. Moreover, if you don’t take care of your teeth and gums, you could lose teeth due to severe decay or an infection of the gums.

Plaque can be controlled by maintaining a regular routine of brushing and flossing. But if you care about your oral health and cleanliness, you should get professional cleanings done at least twice a year, in addition to your regular brushing and flossing. This can help remove plaque and tartar between the teeth and gum lines, which can be difficult to clean otherwise.

Can reduce the risk of preterm birth

Women who take good care of their teeth during pregnancy are less likely to give birth prematurely. In addition, kids born to mothers with healthy gums tend to be of healthy weight. Conversely, an increase in the amounts of prostaglandin (a chemical that stimulates labor and results in a premature and underweight baby) is associated with gum disease.

Improve your self-esteem

Confidence in your smile comes from practicing good oral hygiene. Even though tooth discoloration seldom compromises oral health, it can make you uncomfortable and self-aware socially. Most stains may be removed with a thorough washing, but the more stubborn ones may require the assistance of a professional. Many people also experience bad breath, typically brought on by plaque.

Oral disease detection

Your dentist will be able to diagnose any problems with your teeth if you see them frequently. By maintaining a schedule of checkups and cleanings with your dentist, any problems or disorders with your oral health can be identified and treated before they worsen.

Poor oral health raises the risk of cancer

According to studies, gum disease has been linked to an increased risk of cancer in women aged 54 to 86. Breast cancer has the highest risk from gum disease, followed by lung, gallbladder, and skin cancer.

Tips For Better Dental Hygiene

Dentists can learn a lot about your general health, such as your risk for developing a chronic condition from the state of your teeth and gums. Therefore, it is vital to get regular dental checkups.

Recent studies concur that oral health can be used as an indicator of overall health. When your mouth is healthy, it is a sign that your body is healthy as a whole. However, poor dental hygiene can be a sign of a wider health problem.

In order to maintain proper dental hygiene at home, you should:

  • Make sure to brush for a full two minutes twice a day.
  • Floss daily to get rid of plaque in areas your toothbrush can’t reach.
  • Consume proper nutrients (especially vitamins A and C) through a balanced diet to avoid gum disease.
  • Avoid using any form of tobacco, as this increases your risk of developing oral cancer and gum disease.
  • Keep up with your regular dental checkups and cleanings. It is one of the best methods to identify signs of gum disease before it causes more damage.